Indonesia Asks Saudi Arabia to Lift Age Restrictions on Hajj Pilgrims
- Dok Kemenag
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has urged the Saudi Arabian government to refrain from imposing age restrictions on Hajj pilgrims for the 1446 H/2025 pilgrimage season.
He revealed that he had requested the Saudi government not to use age as a determining factor, such as setting a limit of 90 years and above, but instead to assess pilgrims based on their health condition.
"I have proposed to the Saudi government not to use age as the sole benchmark. There are people over 90 who are healthier than those under 90. So, I suggested that the standard should be based on health capability," Minister Umar said on Monday (Jan 27).
He hopes that the Saudi government will consider this proposal regarding the age restriction.
The minister directed his appeal to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Fawzan Muhammed Alrabiah, who previously served as Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health.
Menteri Agama Nasaruddin Umar
- HUMAS/Kemenag
"He (Tawfiq) should understand my reasoning, as health feasibility is the most appropriate standard," he remarked.
The minister added, "However, since Saudi Arabia is not our country, it’s ultimately their decision. Still, we have submitted our proposal with rational arguments, and we hope the 90-year age limit will be reconsidered based on the reasons we presented,"
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is currently awaiting an official letter from the Saudi government regarding the potential restrictions for elderly pilgrims who will be allowed to perform Hajj.
Hilman Latief, Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, explained that Saudi Arabia is planning to restrict Hajj for elderly pilgrims, potentially barring those aged 90 and above.
"There might not be many affected, but based on preliminary information, they are considering not allowing pilgrims aged 90 and above. We are waiting for the official letter to be sent," he said in different occasion.
Latief further stated that Indonesia has continued to send elderly pilgrims in the past, including those as old as 100 years.
"Previously, we even had pilgrims aged 100 years," he said.
In addition to restricting elderly pilgrims, Latief mentioned that the Saudi government is also considering limiting the percentage of elderly pilgrims aged 70 or 80 and above.
"There’s also a plan to limit the percentage of elderly pilgrims aged 70 or 80 and above. This is what we are waiting for (the official letter). Hopefully, considering that we prioritize 10% of the elderly, we're currently reviewing the situation," Latief added.
