Yogyakarta pushes for all Hajj pilgrims to use e-passports after pilot project success

The regional government of Yogyakarta is pushing for all Hajj pilgrims from the Special Region to adopt electronic passports for future pilgrimages. This initiative is driven by Yogyakarta's selection as a pilot project for a hotel-based Hajj embarkation system this year.

Vice Governor KGPAA Paku Alam X expressed his gratitude for the pilot project opportunity and urged for continued innovation in Hajj services. He specifically advocated for the widespread use of e-passports among Yogyakarta's Hajj pilgrims, believing it would streamline the process.

“

I am grateful because DIY got the chance to be a pilot project (for hotel-based embarkation). But in the future, I hope for more innovation in Hajj services in DIY, for example, if possible, DIY Hajj pilgrims can uniformly use e-passports.

Paku Alam X highlighted the advantages of e-passports over traditional ones, primarily their ability to expedite immigration procedures at both departure and arrival points. This speedier process would reduce waiting times, a significant benefit for elderly pilgrims. He also noted that e-passports simplify verification for officials due to electronically stored travel data.

"Therefore, I ask for help to create a methodology that aims to provide ease of implementation. I think this can be done even if there is no instruction from the central government. DIY can be a pioneer, for the ease of officials and the comfort of pilgrims," he stated. The Vice Governor believes Yogyakarta can lead the way in implementing such conveniences, even without a directive from national authorities.

“

Therefore, I ask for help to create a methodology that aims to provide ease of implementation. I think this can be done even if there is no instruction from the central government. DIY can be a pioneer, for the ease of officials and the comfort of pilgrims.