Indonesian Hajj Team Finds Pilgrim Hotels Unfit

As the Indonesian House of Representatives' Hajj Oversight Team (Timwas Haji DPR) prepares for its mission to the Holy Land, a critical issue has surfaced: the unacceptable condition of some hotels designated for Hajj pilgrims. CNN Indonesia reports that members of the team have received information indicating that certain facilities are simply not up to standard, raising serious concerns about the welfare and comfort of Indonesian pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey.

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There are several hotels that are reportedly very unfit to be continued in the coming years. Perhaps these are the things that will be our concern.

Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of the Timwas Haji DPR for 2026, highlighted that the inadequacy of these hotels will be a significant point of scrutiny. This isn't just about minor inconveniences; the team has received reports of severe overcrowding. Contracts may stipulate accommodation for four people per room, but the reality on the ground appears to be as many as six individuals sharing a single room. This overcapacity, particularly noted in sectors like Sector 4 and Sector 9, directly impacts the pilgrims' ability to rest and recuperate, which is vital during the demanding Hajj rituals.

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In a contract made by the Ministry of Hajj with vendors, one room should only have a capacity of four beds. But based on findings and initial information obtained by the Hajj Oversight Team of the DPR 2026, the capacity of beds provided in one room reaches 6.

Beyond the hotel accommodations, the quality of catering services has also drawn criticism. While efforts have been made to provide local Indonesian flavors, the food has reportedly become monotonous and uninspiring for the pilgrims. This, coupled with the substandard living conditions, suggests a lapse in the quality assurance and contract management by the Ministry of Hajj with its vendors. From an Indonesian perspective, the Hajj is a deeply spiritual and significant event, and ensuring the pilgrims' well-being and dignity should be paramount. Any shortcomings in facilities or services detract from the spiritual focus and can cause undue hardship.

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The information that has come to us in the DPR, there are several pilgrims who are indeed experiencing overcapacity, especially in some sectors such as sector 4 or sector 9.

The Timwas Haji DPR's proactive stance in identifying and flagging these issues is crucial. It reflects a commitment to improving the Hajj experience for Indonesian citizens year after year. By bringing these concerns to light—the substandard hotels and the overcapacity in rooms—the team aims to ensure that future Hajj preparations are more meticulous, with stricter oversight of contracted services. This ensures that the focus remains on the spiritual significance of the Hajj, rather than on the pilgrims' basic comfort and dignity.

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In addition to hotel services, the Hajj Oversight Team also highlights the provision of food or catering services for Hajj pilgrims. The information obtained by the Hajj Oversight Team, the catering services, although they have served Nusantara flavors, are still quite boring for Hajj pilgrims.