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Saudi Arabia walks back plan to cut haj quota, supports Indonesia's haj reforms
The Haj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) says Saudi Arabia has walked back on its plan to halve Indonesia’s haj quota and expressed confidence that BP Haji, which will take over haj management from the Religious Affairs Ministry next year, will be able to address this year’s shortcomings.
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Haj pilgrims walk to the departure terminal at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on May 1, 2025, ahead of their flights to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal)
T
he Haj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) says Saudi Arabia has walked back on its plan to halve Indonesia’s haj quota and expressed confidence that BP Haji will be able to improve haj management when it takes over the role from the Religious Affairs Ministry next year.
BP Haji deputy head Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the quota cut was initially floated as a warning, following what Saudi officials viewed as subpar haj management by Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Ministry this year.
“[Saudi Arabia] previously informed BP Haji of its plan because they regarded the ministry’s handling of this year’s haj as inadequate,” Dahnil said. “But after noticing President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to mark 2026 as a new chapter in haj management with a revamped system, they see it as a renewed commitment and appreciated the President’s initiative.”
Dahnil’s statement followed a meeting between BP Haji head Mochammad Irfan Yusuf and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Haj and Umrah Minister Hassan Bin Yahya Al Manakrah on Tuesday in Jeddah.
BP Haji said on its social media that Irfan and the Saudi official discussed the need for stronger oversight of haj preparations, with the Saudis highlighting the importance of accurate pilgrim data and more stringent health standards.
In response, BP Haji pledged to implement an integrated digital data system and step up coordination with the Health Ministry to ensure tighter medical screenings for would-be pilgrims.
Read also: Visa problems, management woes loom over haj handling
