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View all search resultsBatam sends first haj group, haj ministry still lacks human resources
This year's haj season is the first time the pilgrimage is being organized by Haj and Umrah Ministry, after being spun off from Religious Affairs Ministry.
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Haj officials usher elderly haj pilgrims on wheelchairs for their departure for Medina, Saudi Arabia, at Batam Haj Dormitory in Batam, Riau Islands, on April 22, 2026. Batam sent the first haj flight group on April 22, 2026, consisting of 445 pilgrims. (JP/Fadli)
B
atam Haj Embarkation Center dispatched the first haj flight group of 445 pilgrims on Wednesday, marking the operational start of this year’s haj embarkation from Batam and the first time the haj pilgrimage is being organized by Haj and Umrah Ministry, after it was spun off from the Religious Affairs Ministry.
Haj and Umrah Ministry Riau Islands regional office head Muhammad Syafii said his office still faced serious challenges in regard to human resources.
“We only have 12 staff handling haj issues, while the ideal requirement is 40 people,” he said.
"Therefore, we have to work with support from various institutions.”
Agencies that have deployed a total of 130 officials at Batam Haj Embarkation include those from the Religious Affairs Ministry, immigration office, health agency, transportation agency and airport management.
“This year visas have been completed since the Ramadan fasting month. Previously, they were usually completed during the Syawal month,” Syafii said.
“Now pilgrims receive their Nusuk pilgrimage ID cards before they depart. It is more orderly now.”
