By: Moeini Syakir *)
The inauguration of the Special Hajj and Umrah Terminal at Terminal 2F of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on May 4, 2025, marks an important milestone in the government’s efforts to improve the quality of services for pilgrims who will perform their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by a number of ministers and high-ranking state officials, inaugurated the 27,400 square meter facility, which was specially designed to welcome around 6.1 million hajj and umrah passengers each year.
According to Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, the presence of a special terminal will make the departure process smoother, more comfortable, and allow pilgrims to worship devoutly. He said that the three floors of this building are equipped with a 3,000 square meter mosque, a lounge with a capacity of up to 3,000 people, and an adequate bus parking area. Other supporting infrastructure, such as 20 check-in counters and a family waiting room, are designed so that the process of handling travel agents and interactions between pilgrims and their accompanying families can take place in an orderly and comfortable manner.
The inauguration of Terminal 2F is not only a project of the Ministry of Transportation, but also the result of collaboration between ministries and BUMN. BUMN Minister Erick Thohir emphasized that Danantara through InJourney Airports has taken an important role in funding and overseeing the revitalization of all these facilities. According to Erick, this new terminal has also facilitated access to public transportation—both DAMRI buses and airport trains—from and to Jakarta, so that pilgrims’ families and hajj logistics operations can run smoothly.
President Prabowo appreciated the hard work of all parties involved. He reminded that every year the number of Indonesian hajj and umrah pilgrims can reach two million people, and many of them are elderly who need special attention. Therefore, he considered the presence of this special facility very appropriate to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims from before boarding the plane until arriving in Saudi Arabia. Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar was also present, emphasizing that the quality of embarkation services is an important part of the guidance of hajj rituals and security.
In terms of flight operations, hajj departures will be served by Garuda Indonesia, Saudi Airlines, and Lion Air, with all regular and charter flights centered at Terminal 2F since March 2025. Airport entrances and exits have also been adjusted so that take-off and landing schedules can be arranged without overlapping with other commercial flights at Terminals 1 and 3.
The revitalization of this terminal has a significant macroeconomic impact. The terminal construction and beautification project employs thousands of local workers—from architects, craftsmen, cleaners, to digital system technicians. This multiple impact has also enlivened the economy of the Tangerang area and its surroundings, driving demand for restaurants, hotels, and transportation services. The local government also received an increase in PAD from the service activities of the new terminal.
This step is a manifestation of the principle of public service that is responsive to the needs of the community. The hajj pilgrimage is one of the pillars of Islam that must be carried out once in a lifetime for those who are able, so the government needs to ensure that access and facilities do not become a burden. This kind of policy is also in line with the President’s Nawacita vision which emphasizes the presence of the state in providing excellent service to the people.
From a religious perspective, the presence of the Special Hajj and Umrah Terminal also reflects the spirit of concern of Muslims for fellow pilgrims. With adequate facilities, pilgrims can carry out a series of worship calmly and focused, without being disturbed by logistical concerns. This is in line with the values of Islamic brotherhood, where harmony and comfort in worship are a real form of respect from the people for each other and the state’s respect for the traditions and rights of worship of each of its citizens.
The challenge ahead is to ensure that this facility runs optimally and sustainably. Relocation of bus routes, integration of pilgrim data with the Immigration system, and readiness of check-in queues must be monitored in real time. The Regent of Tangerang, the mayor, and security forces (TNI/Polri) need to be actively involved in securing and smoothing the flow of passengers.
The success of Terminal 2F opens up opportunities to replicate the concept of a special Hajj and Umrah terminal at other major airports. By providing integrated support services—including manasik facilities, medical facilities, and family waiting rooms—the government can improve Indonesia’s image as a country that is serious about supporting its people’s worship.
The inauguration of the Special Hajj and Umrah Terminal in Soekarno-Hatta is real evidence of the government’s commitment to improving public services, especially for hajj and umrah pilgrims. With support from various ministries, state-owned enterprises, and regional officials, this modern facility will facilitate the spiritual journey of millions of Indonesians. Although
