DistantNews

Hajj Queue Acceleration for Vulnerable Groups Prioritized Over 'War Tickets'

From Tempo · (1d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, urged caution regarding the "war ticket" concept for Hajj pilgrimage.
  • He emphasized prioritizing faster queues for special groups like the elderly and those with high health risks.
  • Haq stated the commission is committed to supporting the success of the 2026 Hajj organization and will act as spokespersons to inform constituents about government readiness.

The discourse surrounding the Hajj pilgrimage in Indonesia has taken a significant turn, with discussions moving beyond mere ticketing systems to address the core issue of accessibility and fairness for all prospective pilgrims. Maman Imanul Haq, a prominent member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, has voiced strong opinions against the proposed "war ticket" scheme, arguing that it fails to address the fundamental challenges faced by Indonesian pilgrims.

The issue is not just about war tickets, but how we can expedite the queue for the elderly, for those at high risk, and for those who cannot wait too long.

— Maman Imanul HaqExplaining his priority for Hajj pilgrimage reforms.

Instead of focusing on a potentially divisive ticketing mechanism, Haq asserts that the government and relevant bodies should concentrate on expediting the Hajj queue for vulnerable groups. This includes the elderly and individuals with significant health risks, who often face insurmountable waiting periods that can span decades. The current system, where some Indonesians must wait 30 to 40 years for their turn, raises serious questions about whether they will even be alive to fulfill this religious obligation. This perspective highlights a deep-seated concern within Indonesia for ensuring that the Hajj remains an attainable spiritual journey for all Muslims, not just a privilege for those who can navigate complex or potentially inequitable systems.

We don't want people to have to wait 30 or 40 more years to go for Hajj, until they ask if they still have their lives when their turn comes.

— Maman Imanul HaqHighlighting the long waiting times for Hajj in Indonesia.

Commission VIII has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj organization for 2026. Members of the commission are prepared to actively engage with their constituents, serving as spokespersons to communicate the government's meticulous preparations. This proactive approach aims to reassure the public and foster trust in the Hajj administration process. The emphasis is on systematic and comprehensive planning, ensuring that the pilgrimage experience is as seamless and spiritually fulfilling as possible for the millions of Indonesians who aspire to perform Hajj.

We have a commitment to make this Hajj successful. We are even ready to be spokespersons in our respective electoral districts to convey that there is no more systematic and prepared preparation than this year's Hajj preparation.

— Maman Imanul HaqReaffirming the commission's commitment to the 2026 Hajj.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.