The Saudi Arabian government has set Indonesia's Hajj quota at 229,000 people. This comprises 221,000 regular and special quotas, and an additional 8,000 quotas recently approved on May 8, 2023.
In addition to increasing the Hajj quota, the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the Saudi Arabian government has also removed the age restriction policy. Therefore, Hajj pilgrims over 65 years old, or the elderly group, are permitted to depart.
Based on the Minister of Religious Affairs Decree (KMA) Number 189/2023, the priority quota allocation for elderly pilgrims reaches 5% of the regular Hajj quota.
Data from the Integrated Hajj Computerization and Information System (Siskohat) as of March 23, 2023, shows that 66,943 elderly Hajj pilgrims will be departing this year.
Based on their age group, the 65-74 age group is the largest group of elderly pilgrims, numbering 45,796 people or 68.4% of the total elderly pilgrims.
The second largest age group is 75-84 years old, numbering 12,912 people or 19.3% of the total elderly pilgrims.
There are also 7,680 people in the 85-94 age group, equivalent to 11.5%. Finally, there are 555 people over 95 years old, or 0.8%.
(Also read: Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Dominated by Ages Over 50-59, Here's the Trend for the Last Five Years)