The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) plans to implement a health orientation program as a mandatory requirement for prospective Hajj pilgrims starting in 2027. This step is taken as a strategic government effort to ensure all pilgrims meet the standard of istitha’ah, or adequate physical capacity, before performing the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, revealed that the policy is a follow-up to the evaluation of the 2026 Hajj season. Through this program, the government will provide intensive health assistance and guidance to prospective pilgrims well in advance to ensure they can perform the pilgrimage rituals independently.
This policy also responds to regulations from the Saudi Arabian government, which requires sending countries to guarantee the health status of their pilgrims. The government emphasized that it will tighten health screenings; prospective pilgrims who do not meet the established physical criteria may face postponement of their departure to ensure safety and comfort at the holy sites.
Although the mortality rate of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026 showed a downward trend—from 447 deaths to 360 compared to the previous year—the government still sees the need to strengthen the system. The health orientation innovation is expected to serve as a preventive solution to minimize health risks and lower pilgrim mortality rates in the future.
This plan to improve Hajj management will be discussed in greater detail with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI). The government hopes that integrating ritual guidance with health training will improve the quality of Indonesia's Hajj operations and provide optimal protection for every pilgrim.
