Indonesian lawmakers flag Mina congestion, urge innovative Hajj solutions

Despite an overall smooth Hajj pilgrimage in 2026, overcrowding and insufficient facilities in Mina remain significant concerns for Indonesian pilgrims. Marwan Dasopang, head of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VIII and a member of the Hajj Supervisory Team (Timwas Haji DPR RI), stated that the issues cannot be allowed to recur without long-term solutions.

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Overall, the Hajj pilgrimage went well. The initial stages through the peak of the pilgrimage proceeded according to schedule. We must appreciate the various parties who have worked hard to provide services to the pilgrims. However, the conditions in Mina remain the main challenge.

Dasopang acknowledged that the Hajj stages proceeded according to schedule and praised the efforts of all parties involved in providing services. However, he highlighted that the limited space in Mina, where millions of pilgrims gather for mabit (stay) and the stoning of the devil ritual, causes severe congestion, restricting movement and diminishing comfort. Reports also indicated suboptimal basic facilities, including malfunctioning air conditioning and inadequate water supply in certain areas.

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We received various inputs regarding facilities in Mina. There are issues with air conditioning not functioning optimally, insufficient water availability, and various other obstacles that arise due to the high density of pilgrims in a very limited area.

To address these persistent problems, Dasopang called for a more progressive approach. If expanding Mina's physical area is not feasible, alternative solutions such as multi-story tents or other schemes to create more spacious and humane conditions should be considered. The supervisory team is also exploring the optimization of the 'tanazul' scheme. This arrangement allows some pilgrims to forgo staying in Mina and return to their designated hotels under specific conditions, potentially benefiting around 60,000 Indonesian pilgrims whose hotel locations are suitable for mobilization to ritual sites.

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We must start thinking about a new formula. If the Mina area cannot be expanded, then various options such as multi-story tents or other schemes that allow pilgrims more space and humane conditions should be considered.