Saudi Hajj Minister Praises Indonesia's Major Leap in Hajj Services

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Irfan Yusuf claimed the Saudi government has appreciated the quality improvements in Indonesia’s 2026 Hajj services. The appreciation was conveyed during the visit of Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah to Indonesian pilgrims’ services in Mina on Sunday, 25 May.

Gus Irfan, the familiar name for the Hajj Minister, said the visit was an honour and recognition of Indonesia’s efforts to improve services during this year’s Hajj season. “They came with their delegation to appreciate our achievements this year, which they described as a remarkable leap,” he said, citing the official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.

According to Gus Irfan, the Saudi government hopes Indonesia’s Hajj service quality will be maintained and improved annually. He also expressed gratitude for the synergy between the Indonesian and Saudi governments in this year’s Hajj management. “We are grateful that the cooperation between Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been exceptional, delivering the best Hajj services for our pilgrims this year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Deputy Hajj and Umrah Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the Saudi government viewed Indonesia’s Hajj management as having an ‘existential leap’ or a significant improvement in governance and service delivery. “The Saudi Hajj Minister clearly used the term ‘existential leap’, indicating a substantial leap in this year’s Hajj execution,” the deputy minister said.

The appreciation is said to motivate all Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials and Indonesian Hajj officers to maintain service quality, particularly during the peak Hajj phase in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, or Armuzna.