The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia is currently preparing new regulations requiring all prospective Hajj pilgrims to participate in the Hajj Health Orientation program starting from the 2027 Hajj season. This policy is taken as a preventive measure to improve the physical readiness of pilgrims while meeting the strict standards set by the Saudi Arabian government.
Full support came from Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). A member of parliament from the PKB Faction, Mahdalena, emphasized that the health orientation program must serve as a vital instrument to verify the pilgrims' istitha'ah (health capability). She stressed that this policy must not be a mere administrative formality, but a real effort to reduce mortality rates and medical emergency cases during the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
Furthermore, Mahdalena highlighted the importance of early detection for pilgrims with pre-existing conditions or comorbidities. According to her, the time available before departure must be used optimally by medical teams to conduct health interventions, treatments, and guidance so that pilgrims are physically prepared upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The health orientation curriculum is expected to cover comprehensive education, ranging from medication management and nutritional planning to independent physical exercise routines. In addition, pilgrims are expected to gain a solid understanding of disease risk mitigation, including how to prevent extreme dehydration and respiratory infections, which frequently occur in extreme weather environments.
As a concrete step, Mahdalena urged that the standardization of health orientation materials be immediately disseminated to local governments as well as Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU). She emphasized that collective commitment from all organizers is crucial to ensure that flight eligibility rules for pilgrims are enforced objectively and strictly for the overall safety of the pilgrims.
