The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has begun drafting a new policy introducing a mandatory health guidance program for all prospective Hajj pilgrims in 2027. This initiative was adopted as a strategic step to ensure every pilgrim meets the requirements of istita'ah, or health capability, before departing for the Holy Land.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasized that intensive health assessment and guidance will be conducted as a follow-up to evaluations of previous Hajj operations. The program aims to minimize health obstacles during the pilgrimage and meet the strict physical readiness standards set by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Full support came from a Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mahdalena, who stated that health guidance must be at the forefront of the candidate selection process. According to her, this program can serve as an early intervention tool for pilgrims with pre-existing conditions, enabling them to receive health monitoring, nutritional management, and healthy lifestyle education well ahead of their scheduled departure.
Furthermore, Mahdalena stressed the importance of commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the program does not become a mere ceremonial exercise. She expressed hope that physical training and health awareness would foster physically independent pilgrims, in line with regulations requiring prime condition to complete the Hajj rituals.
For prospective pilgrims who are ultimately deemed unfit under health standards and unable to perform the pilgrimage independently, Kemenhaj indicated that their departure could be deferred. This is a crucial measure to ensure all Indonesian pilgrims can complete their worship safely and optimally in Saudi Arabia.
