Minister hopes Hajj Ministry reaches 90-point satisfaction index

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar expressed hope that better management of the Hajj pilgrimage by the newly established Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will lead to a satisfaction index above 90 points.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) previously reported that the 2025 Hajj Pilgrim Satisfaction Index (IKJH) reached 88.46, a very satisfactory score.

"Currently, the index (IKJH) has scored 88.46 points. We hope (they can achieve a satisfaction index) above 90 points in the future. This is our hope," the minister said here on Thursday.

Umar noted that thorough preparation is key to the success of the Hajj pilgrimage. He emphasized the importance of providing thorough training for officials to ensure their full dedication.

"I hope the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah can provide indoctrination to Hajj officers as we have done so far. Not just doctrine, but indoctrination and promoting this service as jihad," he said.

The minister also expressed his hope that the steadfastness and sacrifice of the Hajj officers would be maintained. He believes their self-sacrifice, such as carrying pilgrims who have difficulty walking, is a model to emulate.

"We need to maintain that. Take the positive side of our experience, don't repeat existing weaknesses," the minister added.

In the meantime, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochammad Irfan Yusuf previously said that Hajj officers would be equipped with basic Arabic language skills to facilitate their coordination while on duty in the Holy Land.

"We will prepare them, including standard Arabic language skills, such as asking for directions, asking for addresses, and so on," said the minister.

They will also be involved in technical guidance for about a month to optimize services to the pilgrims.

"We hope that we can thoroughly prepare these Hajj officials, and we will be preparing them for at least one month," he said.

In addition, the ministry will also increase the allocation of female Hajj officers considering that the number of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is dominated by women.