PPIH Ensures Government Provides Optimal Hajj Services for Indonesian Pilgrims

Jakarta – The Head of the Saudi Arabian Hajj Pilgrimage Organizing Officer (PPIH), Mukhlis Muhammad Hanafi, emphasized that the Indonesian government through PPIH is committed to providing optimal hajj services, even though this year there are new challenges in the form of the diversity of syarikah or hajj service providers in each flight group (kloter).

“Indeed, with the presence of eight different syarikah, there is an impact on services in various sectors, especially with the emergence of groups filled by several syarikah. However, thank God this was quickly handled thanks to good coordination with the syarikah,” said Mukhlis after a meeting at the Medina Regional Work Office (Daker).

Mukhlis explained that currently PPIH is actively recording data on pilgrims who come from various syarikah and ensuring that there are no obstacles in the movement of pilgrims while in the Holy Land.

“This is a challenge in itself, but we continue to communicate this with the sharia and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj so that it does not impact the movement of pilgrims, especially later from Medina to Mecca, and then from Mecca to Arafah,” he added.

Mukhlis emphasized that the synergy between the Saudi Arabian PPIH, the sharia as operators, and the Saudi Arabian authorities have the same goal, namely to provide the best service to Indonesian pilgrims.

Meanwhile, attention to service is also focused on the elderly and disabled pilgrim groups whose numbers are quite significant this year. The Head of the Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf or Gus Irfan, said that almost 30 percent of Indonesian hajj pilgrims this year are elderly, most of whom are women.

“The elderly and disabled are our priority. Therefore, PPIH will prepare special services in the elderly sector to ensure the comfort and safety of their worship,” said Gus Irfan.

Gus Irfan also emphasized the importance of integrity, coordination, as well as being adaptive and responsive in the services of hajj officers.

“Pilgrim service is a priority. If there are problems in the field that are not discussed in the briefing, please do ijtihad to find solutions. The principle remains, prioritize the best service,” he said.

The commitment to inclusive services also received appreciation from the Chairperson of the National Disability Commission, Dante Rigmalia. He welcomed the involvement of people with disabilities as hajj officers.

“We appreciate the opportunity given to people with disabilities to be directly involved in hajj services. This is a step forward and reflects inclusivity,” said Dante.

With the readiness of 535 officers who have been provided with training, as well as close coordination with related parties in Saudi Arabia, PPIH ensures that all Indonesian pilgrims will receive professional, humane, and optimal services during the 2025 hajj pilgrimage.