Serian Wijat deems 2026 Hajj a success but stresses need for ongoing evaluation

Social observer Serian Wijatno assessed that the culmination of the 1447 Hijriyah/2026 CE Haj rituals in Armuzna (Arafah, Muzdalifah, and MINA) has been conducted smoothly. Operational success was marked by smooth passenger movement, timely logistics, and a significant reduction in fatalities, particularly among Indonesian pilgrims.

Serian Wijatno attributed this success to radical and integrative systemic improvements. He highlighted key policies that made Indonesian pilgrims’ experience more comfortable, safe, and inclusive, particularly tactical and elderly-friendly measures. These include murur (passing through Muzdalifah while remaining on buses) and tanazul (vacating MINA tents for elderly to return to hotels). ‘These policies successfully alleviated extreme congestion and protected high-risk pilgrims from exhaustion,’ Serian Wijat told journalists in Jakarta on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

In addition to spatial management, he noted improved catering with fully Nusantara-flavoured ready meals during critical phases in MINA, which helped maintain pilgrims’ immunity amid extreme temperatures reaching 45°C.

Serian Wijatno, who also serves as a central figure in several Islamic organisations, provided deeper insight into the significance of Eid al-Adha and the ritual of animal sacrifice.