Reviewing the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Dudung Delivers Prabowo's Message to Pilgrims

JAKARTA - Chief of Presidential Staff General TNI (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman visited the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026).

Dudung’s visit was aimed at evaluating the management of services for Hajj pilgrims, from the arrival process to the planned departure.

In front of the pilgrims, Dudung conveyed a message and prayers from President Prabowo Subianto to all the pilgrims.

“As Chief of Presidential Staff, I represent the President in praying that the Hajj pilgrims are granted strength and health in performing their Hajj pilgrimage, that it proceeds smoothly, safely, and healthily, and, God willing, they return to the homeland safely,” Dudung stated.

He also highlighted numerous cases of pilgrims dying due to extreme fatigue from performing too many proxy Umrah rituals (Umrah on behalf of relatives) repeatedly, as well as excessive tourism or shopping.

“Do not take on too many commissions from relatives, such as proxy Umrah and the like, which ultimately prevents us from being fully focused on ourselves,” Dudung advised the pilgrims.

Dudung said the government is targeting a further reduction in pilgrim mortality rates this year through improved systems and the discipline of pilgrims in maintaining their health.

Meanwhile, the departure process continues to be carried out in stages.

Based on his experience as Amirul Hajj in 2024, Dudung highlighted various rapid advancements in Hajj management this year.

He assessed that these policies effectively prevent past problems, such as pilgrims being separated from their family members in hotels.

The Presidential Staff Office also appreciated the presence of a dedicated ministry handling Hajj affairs, which has led to the elimination of Hajj practices using tourist visas, no regular Hajj pilgrims being stranded, and the simplification of syarikah bureaucracy from eight parties to just two.

“Now, I see that the nusuk process has been handed over here, and the services here are also maximal, both in terms of health and bedding; this dormitory is already very good,” he said.