Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the organization of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage on Tuesday.
The signing took place during the 5th Hajj Conference and Exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in Jeddah. The event also marked the start of preparations for next year's pilgrimage.
"We held extensive discussions on Hajj preparations, focusing on ensuring the health and safety of Indonesian pilgrims. The meeting concluded with the signing of an agreement granting Indonesia a quota of 221,000 pilgrims," said Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the Hajj pilgrimage. According to Yusuf, the success of Indonesia's Hajj organization is an integral part of the overall success of the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.
"If challenges arise, both parties are committed to supporting each other for the success of the Indonesian Hajj organization and the 2026 Hajj," the minister remarked.
The meeting also discussed key issues related to health eligibility, the implementation of compensatory sacrifices (Dam), and the synchronization of service data.
Yusuf said the Saudi government emphasized that pilgrims' health would remain an absolute requirement for departure. The Indonesian government will tighten health screening to ensure all prospective pilgrims meet the standards.
Both sides also agreed that Dam payments in Saudi Arabia be made officially through the Adahi institution and the Nusuk Masar platform to ensure transparency and accountability.
Regarding data management, both countries underscored the need to validate and integrate pilgrim data, including groups, flights, hotels, and transportation, to streamline Hajj operations.
In addition, several Saudi-based Islamic banks have opened offices in Indonesia to strengthen coordination.
