Indonesia's Hajj Ministry pledges better health checks and seeks larger Saudi quota

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced plans to improve health services for pilgrims ahead of the next Hajj season. Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said early medical examinations will be tightened to ensure pilgrims depart in good physical condition, and the ministry will enhance pre‑deployment management in Saudi Arabia.

The ministry also highlighted efforts to shorten the Hajj waiting list, following President Prabowo Subianto’s request to reduce the average queue from 26 years. Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak explained that the administration aims to equalise waiting times across regions and is pursuing a significant increase in the Indonesian Hajj quota from Saudi authorities, while maintaining service quality for the larger number of pilgrims.