January 11, 2026 | 01:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started implementing a training program with a semi-military pattern for prospective officers in charge of organizing the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The ministry explained that this pattern is implemented to address complaints from pilgrims regarding the discipline, responsiveness, and frequent abandonment of duties by the hajj officers during previous pilgrimage seasons.
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Irfan Yusuf, stated that this year's training program for hajj officers will last for 30 days, consisting of 20 days of face-to-face training and 10 days of online learning. The training will also be followed by additional online preparation, particularly strengthening Arabic language proficiency.
"Without strong physical and strong discipline, officers will not be able to carry out their duties well," Irfan said during the opening of the training program for prospective officers in charge of organizing the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia at the Hajj Dormitory in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
According to Irfan, during the training, the participants will be trained in physical endurance, disciplinary training, and technical knowledge related to the Hajj pilgrimage. Since the training period, the participants have also been assigned their duties, ranging from their placement location, service positions, to work teams. Thus, the officers are expected to understand their responsibilities before departing to Saudi Arabia.
The ministry also imposes strict penalties for participants who violate the rules during the training. Irfan emphasized that participants who are undisciplined will be sent back and will not be allowed to depart as hajj officers. "If they cannot comply even after being warned once or twice, we will send them back. The same applies in Saudi, they can be sent back before their scheduled departure," he said.
The most anticipated violations, according to Irfan, are related to discipline issues and punctuality during the training, as well as abandoning duties while serving in Saudi Arabia. In addition, all officers are equipped with Arabic language training with special tutors to overcome communication obstacles that often occurred during previous Hajj seasons.
The Vice Chair of the DPR Commission VIII, Abdul Wachid, sees the semi-military training pattern as a progressive step. He mentioned that the discipline of the officers is a key factor in the success of organizing the Hajj pilgrimage. "So far, officers have been on duty, but many still abandon their duties. This significantly disrupts the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage," said Wachid.
According to him, physical and disciplinary strengthening is crucial, especially during the peak phases of the Hajj pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). During this phase, the Ministry has also recruited TNI-Polri personnel twice the number compared to the previous year, totaling 185 people, to ensure that pilgrims, especially the elderly, are not left unattended.
In addition to discipline and physical training, all officers also undergo specific training for providing friendly services to women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The Indonesian government hopes that with this strict training pattern, the quality of Hajj services will continue to improve in the future.
Read: Ex-Minister Yaqut's Aide Gus Alex Also Named Suspect in Hajj Quota Graft
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