April 10, 2026 | 08:57 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is currently considering a new system to address the waiting periods for Hajj pilgrims, which often span decades. Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, stated that one of the ideas being weighed is to eliminate the current waiting list system in favor of a "ticket war" or direct registration mechanism.
Irfan mentioned that this system had been previously implemented in Indonesia prior to the establishment of the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH).
"To be honest, when we talk about waiting lists, the idea in the Ministry of Hajj occurs whether such a long waiting period is necessary, and whether we should consider returning to the times before the existence of BPKH," Irfan expressed when opening the National Work Meeting on Hajj Pilgrimage 1447 Hijriah in Tangerang, Banten, as uploaded on the Ministry of Hajj's YouTube account on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
In the past, Irfan explained, the prevailing system was one of direct registration or a "ticket war" approach. Under that model, the government would announce the current year's Hajj costs and the available quota, then open registration for a specific window. Anyone with the financial means and good physical health could register directly.
The pilgrims who departed were simply those who settled the Hajj costs first and secured their tickets. "The government would announce this year's Hajj costs, registration would open from date A to date B, and those who want to perform Hajj, please proceed with the payment. It's like a 'ticket war'," Irfan said.
"Do we need to reconsider such a thing? Certainly, this is not an easy decision to make. But as a discourse, it is certainly permissible for us to consider," he added.
Historically, the Hajj waiting period system began in Indonesia in 2008. This system was implemented because public interest in the pilgrimage was very high, consistently surpassing the annual quota provided by Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, BPKH was first established in 2017. Before that, the registration and management of Hajj funds were entirely handled by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The Hajj waiting lists across various regions in Indonesia vary significantly, ranging from a dozen years to as long as 47 years. However, starting this year, the government has equalized the waiting period for Hajj in all regions to a standard of 26 years.
The idea to eliminate the waiting list and implement the "war ticket" system arose after President Prabowo Subianto instructed the Ministry of Hajj to revolutionize Hajj arrangements. During a working meeting with the Red-and-White Cabinet at the State Palace on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Prabowo expressed his desire to shorten the Hajj waiting period, which has long been a major issue for the Muslim community in Indonesia.
"We are struggling, and alhamdulillah, we have received reports that the Hajj waiting time is no longer 48 years. Starting in 2026, the longest waiting time for Hajj is 26 years, and I will strive for an even shorter waiting period," Prabowo said.
Read: Prabowo Eyes Garuda Indonesia-Saudia Joint Venture for Hajj Services
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