Indonesia’s Hajj Challenges: Pilgrimage Reforms Under Scrutiny

Every year, Indonesia sends the world’s largest contingent of pilgrims to Mecca for the Hajj, a sacred journey that is both a pillar of Islamic faith and a logistical mammoth for the government. With over 221,000 Indonesians set to participate in the 2025 season, the administration of President Prabowo Subianto faces mounting pressure to address longstanding issues in Hajj management, from extensive waiting lists to inadequate facilities. While new initiatives, such as a dedicated terminal for fast-track immigration and a proposed “village” for Indonesian pilgrims in Mecca, signal reform, questions linger over whether these measures will genuinely improve the pilgrimage experience for all.

A Sacred Duty Amid Systemic Struggles

The Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able, holds profound spiritual significance. For many Indonesians, it represents a lifelong aspiration. Yet, the journey is often marred by systemic challenges. The government-subsidized regular Hajj plan, which offers the most affordable option, is notorious for its decades-long waiting lists. Some pilgrims, growing older as they await their turn, face diminishing chances of fulfilling this religious duty. Meanwhile, premium plans with shorter waiting periods and better facilities remain out of reach for most due to their high costs.

Last year’s pilgrimage highlighted the depth of these issues. Reports of flight delays, overcrowded or double-booked tents in Mina and Arafah, broken air conditioning, and even food poisoning incidents drew sharp criticism. The House of Representatives launched inquiries into the mismanagement, while health risks compounded the ordeal. Under the scorching Saudi summer sun, over 700 pilgrims from across the world lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj, underscoring the urgent need for better planning and support, particularly for elderly participants.

Prabowo’s Reforms: Progress or Posturing?

President Prabowo Subianto, who himself performed the Hajj in 1991, has positioned pilgrimage reform as a priority for his administration. Among his flagship initiatives is the opening of a new terminal at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, designed to streamline immigration clearance for Saudi Arabia-bound pilgrims. This move aims to ease the logistical burden on travelers embarking on the sacred journey, a small but significant step toward enhancing their experience.

More ambitiously, Prabowo has proposed the creation of a dedicated “village” in Mecca exclusively for Indonesian pilgrims. He claims this idea has received a positive response from Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, with Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar currently negotiating the details. If realized, such a facility could provide tailored accommodations and services, potentially addressing past complaints about lodging shortages and poor conditions. However, skepticism remains about whether this exclusive arrangement will be accessible to all Indonesian pilgrims or primarily benefit those on premium plans.

Additionally, the administration has reduced Hajj costs for the 2025 season by approximately 4 million Indonesian Rupiah (US$240) per person, a move aimed at broadening access. Prabowo has pledged to lower costs further in the coming years, alongside promises to deliver the “best service” to pilgrims. Yet, with a history of administrative shortcomings, including allegations of fund embezzlement and inadequate facilities, public trust in such commitments is fragile.

New Agency, Old Problems?

In a bid to overhaul Hajj management, the government has established the Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji), set to assume control from the Religious Affairs Ministry as early as next year. Mandated by Law No. 8/2019, the agency is intended to bring greater efficiency and transparency to the process. For a country with decades of experience in managing one of the world’s largest Hajj contingents, the persistent administrative failures—from insufficient accommodations to financial mismanagement—have been a source of national frustration.

Critics argue that without addressing root causes, such as the opaque allocation of quotas and the prioritization of premium over regular plans, the new agency may simply replicate existing flaws under a different name. The quota system, set by the Saudi government at 221,000 for Indonesia in 2025, allocates a majority of slots to the subsidized regular plan, yet the long waiting periods continue to disenfranchise many. Meanwhile, a smaller portion of the quota caters to higher-priced plans, raising concerns about equity in access to this sacred obligation.

Domestic Challenges and International Incidents

Beyond administrative reforms, the government faces pressing domestic issues that undermine the Hajj experience. The desperation to undertake the pilgrimage has led some Indonesians to bypass official channels, with tragic consequences. Last week, Saudi authorities arrested 30 Indonesian nationals at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah for attempting to enter the country on improper visas to perform the Hajj. Such incidents highlight the urgency of streamlining access and ensuring that every able-bodied Muslim has a fair chance to fulfill their religious duty without resorting to risky measures.

Health and safety remain paramount concerns. The extreme conditions of the Saudi summer, coupled with often inadequate facilities, pose significant risks, especially to elderly pilgrims who form a substantial portion of Indonesia’s contingent. Last year’s death toll during the Hajj serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust medical support and better infrastructure. While the government has promised improvements, tangible outcomes remain to be seen.

Looking Beyond Saudi Concessions

While initiatives like the proposed Indonesian “village” in Mecca may offer some relief, they also prompt broader questions about dependency on Saudi concessions. Should Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, rely on exclusive arrangements abroad, or focus on resolving domestic bottlenecks that have long plagued Hajj organization? The waiting list system, for instance, demands urgent reform to ensure transparency and efficiency, giving every pilgrim an equal opportunity to undertake the journey within a reasonable timeframe.

Moreover, the government must prioritize the care of vulnerable pilgrims, particularly the elderly, by investing in better training, medical facilities, and on-ground support during the Hajj. Addressing recurring complaints about accommodations and transportation—issues that have persisted despite decades of experience—could do more to enhance the pilgrimage experience than seeking special facilities abroad.

A Spiritual Journey in Need of Earthly Solutions

As batches of Indonesian pilgrims arrive in Jeddah and Medina throughout the month for the 2025 Hajj season, millions more wait at home, their dreams deferred by a system struggling to keep pace with demand. President Prabowo’s administration has introduced measures that signal intent to reform, from cost reductions to the establishment of a dedicated Hajj agency. Yet, the path to a safe, equitable, and spiritually enriching Hajj experience remains fraught with challenges.

For many Indonesians, the pilgrimage is not merely a religious obligation but a deeply personal journey of faith. Ensuring that this journey is accessible to all, regardless of financial means or administrative hurdles, is a responsibility that weighs heavily on the government. As reforms unfold, the question remains: will these efforts truly transform the Hajj experience, or will they fall short of the aspirations of the faithful?