On the Hajj Ticket Auction Proposal, Prospective Pilgrims: Agree, But...

The proposal for a Hajj ticket auction or direct purchase/competition system for Hajj departures has sparked pros and cons. This idea emerged due to the lengthy waiting lists for Hajj registrations in various regions of Indonesia. The debate has also arisen among prospective Hajj pilgrims (calhaj). One such view was expressed by a calhaj from Indramayu Regency, Susyani (48 years old). She said she agrees with the proposal. “Personally, I’m happy because there’s hope of departing sooner,” Susyani told Republika on Monday (13/4/2026). She registered for Hajj in 2020 and must wait over a decade to depart. Nevertheless, Susyani questions the fairness for calhaj who have waited long in the queue. If the ticket auction is implemented, they could lose their chance to depart soon, especially those near the front of the line. “It’s a pity for those whose turns are close. They’ve certainly waited a long time,” she said. Susyani also feels sorry for calhaj who are tech-illiterate and live in remote areas with limited internet access, especially if they are elderly. “What about the elderly calhaj with limited internet access?” she said. Another calhaj, Fajar (58), said he disagrees with the ticket auction. He fears it could lead to Hajj scalping practices if implemented. “It’s prone to being exploited as a ‘field’ by unscrupulous individuals,” he said. Separately, the Head of the Indramayu Regency Hajj and Umrah Ministry Office, Effendy, said there has been no socialisation from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to the regions regarding the ticket auction proposal so far. “Not yet,” he said.