TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – Indonesia has once again been granted a quota of 221,000 pilgrims for the 1446 H/2025 M Hajj season. This announcement was made by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, during the Closing Ceremony of the 1445 H Hajj and the Allocation of the 1446 H Quota in Mecca.

. "This early announcement allows us to prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage more efficiently and effectively," he said on Wednesday (16/6/2024). He added that this advanced preparation would help ensure all the needs of the pilgrims are adequately met.Minister Yaqut expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for announcing the quota early

The decision to provide the quota early comes on the heels of a successful Hajj season this year. Indonesia managed to optimize its regular quota of 213,320 pilgrims, thanks to smooth operations at three fast track embarkation points in Jakarta, Solo, and Surabaya. "This is clearly no small feat, considering Indonesia sends the largest number of Hajj pilgrims in the world," Yaqut noted.

The Minister highlighted the innovations introduced during the Hajj 2024 season, which received praise for their effectiveness. These included fast track services, improved catering, and senior-friendly services, which contributed to the smooth execution of the pilgrimage. Additionally, the implementation of the murur scheme in Muzdalifah helped reduce congestion and expedite the movement of pilgrims, making the overall experience more efficient.

Following the success of this year’s pilgrimage, an evaluation will be conducted to further improve future Hajj operations. One of the primary challenges identified is the limited space in Mina, which will be addressed in the upcoming preparations.

The 2025 Hajj season looks promising as Indonesia leverages the lessons learned and the innovations introduced in 2024. The early announcement of the quota provides a significant advantage, ensuring that the country can continue to support its pilgrims effectively and maintain its position as a leading participant in the global Hajj pilgrimage. (*)