Hanaa Septiana, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, will bar regional leaders from becoming hajj officers this year. This ban responds to last year's presence of regional heads within hajj operations, including Gresik Regent Fandi Akhmad Yani.

The minister assures there won't be a repeat of this occurrence during the 2026 hajj season.

"This year, InsyaAllah, it is not allowed," Irfan said after inspecting the hajj officer selection process in Surabaya on Thursday, January 22, 2025.

The Hajj Ministry is currently running the selection process for hajj officers across Indonesia, with 1,455 participants taking the exams. Later, the Indonesian government will accept 1,050 individuals to become hajj officers during the final stage.

Irfan mentioned that some of his colleagues who are serving as incumbent regional heads are keen to join the rank. But he does not allow it.

"Some of my friends who are regents, fellow members of the pesantren (islamic boarding school) community, and members of the Gerindra Party have requested permission to become hajj officers. I do not allow it," Irfan said.

He explained that the Ministry of Hajj aims to maximize services to pilgrims, which he believes regional heads will not be capable of doing.

"We consider regents to be high-ranking officials who may find it difficult to provide services to pilgrims. This is because regents also have other duties they cannot abandon," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2082172/indonesian-regional-heads-barred-from-becoming-hajj-officer