Batu, en.SERU.co.id – To ease the heavy flow of hajj pilgrims in East Java, especially at Juanda Airport and the Sukolilo Hajj Dormitory in Surabaya, the government is officially preparing Dhoho International Airport in Kediri as a new embarkation point starting with the 2027 hajj season.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf made the announcement while opening the 2026 Hajj Service and Performance Coordination Meeting at Hotel Royal in Batu on Friday evening, 31 July 2026. Technical assessments show that both the airside and landside facilities at Dhoho Airport are fully ready. Attention is now turning to refining the movement of vehicles carrying pilgrims, providing space for shuttle buses, and setting up X-ray screening for luggage directly at the airport.
“We are drawing on the success of the pilot project at Yogyakarta International Airport,” the minister said.
This year’s hajj operations also showed clear progress in pilgrim discipline and tighter checks on prohibited items. The number of cases involving illegal or excess cigarettes fell sharply—from more than one full container in 2024 to just 54 packs in 2026. Officers did, however, find a traditional keris inside one pilgrim’s suitcase. The item was returned to the family.
The ministry is working with the police and immigration authorities to form a joint task force. The group will take firm action against travel agencies that offer hajj or umrah packages without official visas, particularly those advertising unrealistically low prices. Pilgrims are urged not to be tempted by such offers, as travelling without a proper hajj visa can leave them stranded in Jeddah or Medina.
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The government is also strengthening the role of 1,040 group leaders (Karom) and 4,160 team leaders (Karu). These officers serve as the front line in providing close support to pilgrims throughout the journey.
Through stronger coordination across agencies and a thorough evaluation during the Batu meeting, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is confident that future hajj operations will be more transparent, accountable, elderly-friendly, and fair. (dik/mzm)
Indonesian Version:
Inovasi Layanan Haji 2027, Menteri Haji dan Umrah RI: Bandara Dhoho Kediri Jadi Embarkasi Baru
