Paku Alam Proposes E-Passports for Yogyakarta Hajj Pilgrims
Vice Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) KGPAA Paku Alam VIII has proposed that all Hajj pilgrims from the region use e-passports to accelerate immigration services. The suggestion was conveyed whilst receiving a report on the progress of pilgrims’ return via the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) embarkation from the Acting Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for DIY, Silvia Rosetti, at Gedhong Pareanom, Kepatihan Complex, Yogyakarta, on Thursday (25/06).
Sri Paduka expressed appreciation that DIY was given the opportunity to become a pilot region for hotel-based embarkation. However, he believes that Hajj service innovations need to be continuously strengthened to make the departure and return processes increasingly easier for pilgrims.
“I am grateful that DIY has the opportunity to be a pilot project for hotel-based embarkation. But going forward, I hope for more innovations in Hajj services in DIY, for example, if possible, all DIY Hajj pilgrims could uniformly use e-passports,” Sri Paduka stated.
According to Sri Paduka, the use of e-passports can speed up immigration services for pilgrims, both whilst in Indonesia and in Saudi Arabia. With faster service, pilgrims are expected to feel more comfortable whilst saving time during the Hajj travel process.
He also requested that relevant officials devise a more practical service methodology that provides ease for both pilgrims and officers. DIY, he said, can become a pioneer of Hajj service innovation even though there is no specific instruction from the central government.
“Therefore, I ask for help to create a methodology aimed at providing ease of implementation. I think this can be done even though there is no instruction from the centre. Indeed, DIY can be a pioneer, for the convenience of officers and the comfort of pilgrims,” Sri Paduka added.
In addition to e-passports, Sri Paduka suggested that pilgrims be provided with introductory material on digital technology during pre-departure activities. This material could cover information on what must be done and observed, including the use of QRIS bracelets and identity necklaces that must not be removed.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for DIY, Silvia Rosetti, reported that the Hajj operation for the YIA embarkation is currently entering the pilgrims’ return phase. Silvia noted that the return of 26 Hajj flight groups via the YIA debarkation began on 1 June 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 30 June 2026.