By: Rikcy Rinaldi )*
The government through the Ministry of Religion continues to strive to improve the quality of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage services. Various strategic steps have been taken to ensure that all Indonesian pilgrims can perform their pilgrimage safely, comfortably, and solemnly. One important step is direct monitoring at nine main service points during the implementation of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
This monitoring is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of the Hajj from year to year, which includes accommodation, consumption, transportation, and protection services for pilgrims to comply with the best service standards.
The Expert Staff of the Minister of Religion for Communication and Information Management, Wibowo Prasetyo, explained that monitoring was carried out at crucial locations such as Mecca, Medina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. In addition, two main airports, Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Medina and King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, are also the focus of supervision. The arrival of the monitoring team in Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that all services for Indonesian hajj pilgrims run optimally, starting from accommodation, catering, transportation, to protection of pilgrims.
Wibowo emphasized that this step is important so that the government can provide the best service as a form of state responsibility. Because hajj is a worship that requires high physical and mental readiness, all supporting services must be maintained and continuously improved.
The monitoring team will work for 25 days and is divided into three groups spread across various service locations. They also establish intensive coordination with the Saudi Arabian Hajj Pilgrimage Organizers (PPIH), muassasah, and other local service providers.
One of the members of the monitoring team who is also the Head of the Hajj Organization Evaluation and Reporting Sub-Division at the Directorate of Domestic Hajj Services of the Ministry of Religion, Yedi Supriadi, said that their duties are not only administrative, but also assess the quality of services directly in the field.
According to Yedi, the team wants to ensure that the condition of the pilgrims’ rooms is habitable, the food provided meets the nutritional standards and tastes of the pilgrims, and the transportation used is safe and comfortable. This assessment is comprehensive so that pilgrims, especially the elderly or those with special needs, receive optimal service.
Yedi also emphasized that services to pilgrims must meet the standards of comfort and suitability. If the food is not nutritious or the accommodation is not suitable, this can have a negative impact on the health and smoothness of the pilgrims’ worship. Therefore, the monitoring team conducted an in-depth check to ensure that the quality of service is maintained.
In addition, the aspect of protecting pilgrims is a major concern. Yedi explained that pilgrims must feel safe and protected while carrying out their worship, especially in dense and dynamic conditions such as during the Hajj. The team ensures that protection procedures are effective, including easy access to health services and emergency assistance.
In this monitoring, the team also opens a communication space to receive input, suggestions, and complaints from pilgrims and Hajj officers in the field. The data will be used as material for evaluation and improvement of Hajj implementation policies in the future, including adjustments to service contracts and service innovations.
In addition to direct supervision in the field, the Ministry of Religion also collaborates with various related agencies, both domestically and in Saudi Arabia, to ensure smooth Hajj services. This collaboration includes coordination with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transportation, and aviation and health authorities in Saudi Arabia.
In the digital era like today, the use of information technology is also a main focus, starting from the pilgrim registration system, real-time health monitoring, to fast information services for pilgrims and officers in the field. This integrated approach is expected to minimize obstacles and provide a smoother and safer Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
The Ministry of Religion also continues to develop innovations in digital technology-based Hajj services to improve the efficiency and comfort of pilgrims. Starting from mobile applications that make it easier for pilgrims to access important information in real time, remote health consultation services, to a pilgrim location monitoring system to ensure safety while in the Holy Land.
This innovation not only accelerates communication and coordination between officers, but also provides a sense of calm for pilgrims and their families in the country. With optimal use of technology, it is hoped that the hajj pilgrimage experience will become more modern and easily accessible to all groups.
Special Staff (Stafsus) of the Minister of Religion, Wibowo Prasetyo emphasized that hajj services must continue to adapt and be proactive, no longer just following the annual routine. Kebuthe pilgrims’ needs continue to change and the government is committed to responding with appropriate and fast policies.
According to him, the government wants the pilgrims to feel cared for and looked after wholeheartedly, so that their worship experience becomes meaningful and memorable. Service evaluation is not the end of the process, but the beginning of continuous improvement so that every hajj implementation is of increasing quality.
Wibowo hopes that all Indonesian hajj pilgrims can carry out their worship calmly, healthily, and return to their homeland bringing beautiful memories and professional and attentive service.
This concrete step shows the government’s seriousness in maintaining the dignity and quality of the implementation of the hajj pilgrimage amidst the challenges of the increasing number of pilgrims and the complexity of services in other countries. Commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of service is the key to success.
With direct monitoring and comprehensive evaluation in the field, it is hoped that the implementation of the 2025 hajj will be a new milestone in the implementation of the Indonesian hajj which is not only orderly and safe, but also more humane and happy for all pilgrims.
)* Strategic Issue Observer
