Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Vision 2030: Indonesia Prepares

Indonesian officials are urging proactive strategies to accommodate a massive increase in pilgrims.

As Saudi Arabia aims to host five million Hajj pilgrims by 2030, Indonesian authorities are calling for strategic readiness to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens during the pilgrimage.

hajj Agency Urged to Anticipate Policy Changes

Marwan Dasopang,Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission VIII,emphasized the need for the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) to proactively address Saudi Arabia’s ambitious expansion plans. He noted the current restrictions and intense scrutiny at checkpoints.

Dasopang, a politician from the PKB Faction, observed that this year’s Hajj season felt unusually quiet, despite the challenges posed by stringent examinations implemented by the Saudi government.

Vision 2030: A Digital and Large-scale Hajj

Dasopang believes these changes align with Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030,’ which envisions a digitally advanced, efficient, and large-scale management of Hajj and Umrah, targeting five million Hajj pilgrims and 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually.

Therefore, Dasopang urged BP Haji to move beyond reactive measures and strategically anticipate the long-term implications of these changes.

“We encourage the Hajj Organizing Agency to evaluate and understand the purpose of Saudi policy. If the Saudis wants all pilgrims to be recorded and nothing is illegal, then Indonesia must ensure that all pilgrims are recorded and protected,”

–Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission VIII

Concerns Over Direct Quota Purchases

Dasopang also raised concerns about the potential for the five million pilgrim target to be met through a Mandiri Hajj system, allowing direct quota purchases via applications without Indonesian government oversight. According to a 2024 report, online scams targeting pilgrims have increased by 30% (Interpol).

he cautioned that such a system, lacking government filtration, poses risks due to unknown participants and unverified data.

Dasopang stressed that protecting Indonesian citizens abroad is a legal mandate for Hajj and Umrah institution. Accurate data is crucial for providing optimal protection and services to pilgrims.

He urged the government to proactively develop solutions, including necessary tools and agreements with the Saudi Arabian government.

Dasopang emphasized that the Indonesian government must actively participate in ensuring the safety, comfort, and protection of Indonesian pilgrims within the evolving system.