Indonesian Hajj Dormitories Should Become Umrah Service Hubs, Minister Says

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, is pushing for the country's more than 30 hajj dormitories to evolve beyond their traditional role. He envisions them as comprehensive service centers for umrah pilgrims, transforming them into productive state assets rather than solely government expenditure sites.

"Hajj dormitories should not only be centers for government budget expenditure but need to develop into sources of state revenue through optimal facility management," Yusuf stated. He emphasized that the extensive facilities within these dormitories should be utilized year-round to enhance service quality and create added value for the nation.

Yusuf, widely known as Gus Irfan, specifically urged that all hajj dormitories be functionalized as "service hubs" for umrah pilgrims. This initiative aims to provide integrated services before pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia, ensuring a better experience. "Umrah pilgrims can receive good services before departing so that the existence of hajj dormitories is truly felt to have broader benefits," he said.