Transport Modernisation Positively Impacts Hajj Pilgrims' Comfort

The Hajj Supervisory Team (Timwas Haji) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Bambang Haryo Soekartono (BHS), has praised the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage services, saying they have been well managed, particularly in transport and pilgrim services in Saudi Arabia. He made the remarks on Wednesday (20 May 2026) during a trip by high-speed train from Jeddah to Madinah with the DPR’s Hajj oversight delegation. According to him, the transport modernisation implemented by the Saudi authorities has a positive impact on the comfort and efficiency of pilgrims’ mobility, including Indonesian pilgrims. As the Chairman of Commission VII of the DPR–RI, from the Gerindra faction, he assessed that this year’s Hajj services show improvements over previous years. In addition to better-structured transport facilities, services for pilgrims are more responsive and well-coordinated. ‘Wishing success to the oversight of Hajj services. May the 2026 Hajj operations run successfully, my regards to all,’ BHS said in a statement. He also expressed appreciation to all Indonesian Hajj officers for their hard work assisting pilgrims from departure to the rites in the Holy Land. He noted that cooperation between the Indonesian government, Hajj officers, and Saudi authorities is a crucial factor in maintaining the smooth running of Hajj 2026. In addition to oversight, the DPR’s Hajj Timwas also conducted direct monitoring of various facilities used by Indonesian pilgrims, from transport and accommodation to meals and health services. The findings will be used as inputs for evaluating and improving Hajj services for the next year. ‘May all Indonesian pilgrims perform their rites smoothly, stay healthy, and return home with the title haji mabrur,’ concluded BHS. (H-2) Moreover, he noted concerns about mahram pilgrims who were separated in previous years. The government is preparing the Murur Scheme for 100,930 regular Hajj pilgrims, or 50 percent of the quota, to reduce extreme crowding and safety risks at Muzdalifah. The Haj Minister acknowledged that there are various challenges in determining accommodation, meals, and transport. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) in plenary sessions has approved 64 Bills as part of the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) 2026. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) outlined the latest investigative steps related to alleged corruption in the management and distribution of Hajj quotas. Dr. Edy Wuryanto emphasised that the health eligibility (istithā’ah) of Hajj pilgrims falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health, and coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs is important for selecting high-risk pilgrims. The death toll among Indonesian Hajj pilgrims has drawn scrutiny from Saudi authorities. The DPR Timwas called for tightening health screenings to safeguard pilgrims, particularly the elderly with illnesses. Timwas noted the less-than-ideal ratio of medical staff for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims and proposed building a Hajj Hospital in Makkah for better service. Member of Timwas Haji DPR RI, Muslim Ayub, proposed forming a 2025 Hajj Special Committee to evaluate the services that pilgrims have complained about. The main challenges faced by pilgrims at the peak of Hajj are extreme weather and crowded conditions at the holy sites, especially in Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah.