Hajj Pilgrimage Waiting Lists Grow Longer, Wait Times Reach 46 Years

The departure of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims has been repeatedly cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, 221,000 prospective Hajj pilgrims had their departures cancelled. Then, in 2021, 211,940 pilgrims had their departures cancelled.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as of early 2022, the Saudi Arabian government had not yet given the green light for the departure of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

Therefore, the waiting time for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is certain to increase to an undetermined extent.

Average Hajj Waiting List: 22 Years

According to data on the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (accessed on February 10, 2022), the average waiting time for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is currently 22 years.

The region with the shortest waiting list is Maybrat Regency, West Papua, with a waiting time of 9 years.

Meanwhile, the region with the longest waiting list is Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi, with a waiting time of 46 years.

The following is a breakdown of regions with the longest Hajj departure waiting lists (over 35 years):

* Bantaeng Regency: 46 years
* Sidrap Regency: 44 years
* Pinrang Regency: 42 years
* Pare-Pare City: 40 years
* Wajo Regency: 40 years
* Makassar City: 39 years
* Bontang City: 38 years
* Jeneponto Regency: 38 years
* Maros Regency: 37 years
* Sopeng Regency: 37 years
* South Kalimantan: 36 years
* Gowa Regency: 36 years
* Bone Regency: 36 years
* Mamuju Tengah Regency: 36 years

(Also read: Hajj Funds Balance Reaches Rp 149.15 Trillion as of March 2021)