Indonesia has officially launched its Hajj 2026 operations, sending its first batch of 391 pilgrims from Jakarta on April 21. With a national quota of 221,000 pilgrims - the largest of any country in the world - Indonesia's Hajj operation is a massive logistical undertaking that will see 548 flights over the coming weeks.
First Departures
The first group of East Jakarta residents departed from the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, where they boarded flights for Saudi Arabia. Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf oversaw the send-off, stating: "This marks the beginning of a long series of Hajj services whose quality must be maintained."
All departing pilgrims had fulfilled their administrative requirements, including securing valid Hajj visas. Reserve pilgrims were identified to replace any last-minute cancellations, ensuring Indonesia's full quota is utilised. Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) personnel were stationed in Madinah to receive the arrivals.
Quota and Regional Allocation
Indonesia's 2026 quota of 221,000 is split between approximately 203,000 regular Hajj places and 17,000 special Hajj programme places. East Java receives the largest regional allocation with 42,409 pilgrims, followed by Central Java (34,122) and West Java (29,643). The smallest quotas go to North Sulawesi, West Papua, and North Kalimantan.
A special provision reserves 5 percent of each province's quota for elderly pilgrims, recognising the unique needs of older first-time travellers making the journey of a lifetime.
Cost and Waiting Time
The 2026 Hajj Implementation Cost (BPIH) has been set at Rp 87,490,306 (approximately US$5,500) per pilgrim, slightly lower than the previous year's Rp 89.41 million. Despite the reduced cost, the average waiting time for Indonesian Hajj candidates stands at 26.4 years nationally, reflecting the enormous demand relative to the available quota.
According to the Jakarta Globe, the waiting period varies dramatically by province, with some regions seeing wait times of over 30 years. This has led to calls for Saudi Arabia to increase Indonesia's allocation, though any changes would need to be negotiated through official diplomatic channels.
Two-Phase Departure Plan
Indonesian pilgrims are departing in two waves. The first wave began on April 22, with pilgrims flying to Madinah where they will visit the Prophet's Mosque before travelling to Makkah. The second wave commences on May 7, with flights going directly to Jeddah for pilgrims who will proceed straight to Makkah. All 548 flights are coordinated between the Ministry, immigration authorities, police, and the PPIH to ensure a smooth departure process from embarkation points across the archipelago.
What Indonesian Pilgrims Should Know
Pilgrims should ensure they have downloaded the Nusuk app and have their Nusuk smart card ready before arrival. The Indonesian government has also deployed its own Hajj Suvidha-equivalent digital tools to assist pilgrims throughout their journey. With the Day of Arafah expected on May 26, those in the first wave will have approximately five weeks in Saudi Arabia before the Hajj rites begin - time that should be used for spiritual preparation, acclimatisation to the heat, and familiarisation with the holy sites.