Unable to Pay Hajj Costs, Hundreds of Pilgrims from Tangerang Cancel Trip to Holy Land

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) in Tangerang Regency, Banten, has recorded at least 214 prospective Hajj pilgrims in the area who have cancelled their pilgrimage to the Holy Land this year. Head of Kemenhaj Tangerang Regency, Abdullah Hasyim, stated in Tangerang on Monday (20/4/2026) that these hundreds of prospective pilgrims cancelled due to inability to settle the Hajj travel fee (Bipih). “Of that number, those who successfully completed payment and are confirmed to depart total 2,228 prospective pilgrims from a quota of 2,304 people,” he said. According to Abdullah, the number of Tangerang Regency pilgrims to be sent off on 26 April 2026 is recorded at 2,228 souls. They are grouped in Flight Group (Kloter) 5 at Cipondoh Hajj Dormitory Embarkation, Tangerang City, Banten. He added that of the 2,228 who have paid the BPIH, 138 are departing from outside Tangerang Regency. Thus, the number of pilgrims sent off through the Tangerang Regency batch is 2,090 people. “So, Tangerang Regency is only sending off 2,090 prospective pilgrims in total,” he said. Based on the departure plan, these 2,090 people will be sent off via Cipondoh Embarkation, starting with Kloter 5 of 385 souls. “The departure of prospective Hajj pilgrims from Tangerang Regency is divided into two waves with seven kloters until 19 May 2026. Next, Kloter 7 on 29 April 2026 with 384 prospective pilgrims,” he said. Kloter 10 will depart on 4 May 2026, with 385 prospective pilgrims. Meanwhile, the second wave departure begins with Kloter 12 on 7 May 2026, with 385 people. Followed by Kloter 15 on 12 May 2026, with 374 people, Kloter 23 on 18 May 2026 with 29 people. Finally, Kloter 24 departs on 19 May 2026, with 137 people. Meanwhile, Head of General Administration of the Banten Provincial Hajj and Umrah Office, Nasrul Latif, added that one day before departure, prospective Hajj pilgrims undergo strict health checks. They will also undergo completeness checks of administrative documents as well as Hajj ritual training. “This is so they can worship with full devotion at the Grand Hajj El-Haji Dormitory, Banten Hajj Dormitory, Cipondoh, as the official embarkation,” he said.