Solutions to Curb the Number of High-Risk Elderly Hajj Pilgrims
By: H. Dudung Badrun, SH, MH (Advocate & Chairman of the Institute for Community Empowerment and Legal Aid [LPM&PH] of the Indonesian Ulema Council [MUI], Indramayu Regency)
In response to the evaluation by Hj. Selly Andriany Gantina (Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives/DPR RI) regarding the 1447 H Hajj pilgrimage—which revealed the presence of high-risk elderly pilgrims suffering from conditions such as dementia, HIV, and others—H. Dudung Badrun, SH, MH, offers the following observations:
First, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has failed to enforce health *istito’ah* (capability/fitness) standards for pilgrims. These standards are mandated by Minister of Health Regulation No. 15 of 2016 and Law No. 14 of 2025 concerning Hajj and Umrah Organization, which prioritize health fitness as the primary requirement, followed by the financial capability to pay for the pilgrimage.
Second, medical examinations of prospective pilgrims at Regional General Hospitals (RSUD) are treated merely as a formality. This stems from a mindset among local governments that views Hajj organization solely as the purview of the central government—formerly the Ministry of Religious Affairs and now the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. In Indramayu Regency, for instance, Local Regulation (Perda) No. 9 of 2013 regarding Hajj organization fails to emphasize the health fitness of prospective pilgrims; consequently, this regulation is outdated and must be aligned with Law No. 14 of 2025.
The feedback and proposals provided by Dudung Badrun will be incorporated by Hj. Selly Andriany Gantina into the working meeting between DPR RI Commission VIII and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aiming to improve the organization of the upcoming 1448 H Hajj pilgrimage.**
Indramayu, August 7, 2026
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