Indonesia has placed nearly 17,000 of its regular Hajj pilgrims in four-star and five-star hotels in Madinah, the first time such accommodation has been offered under the standard pilgrimage scheme rather than the more expensive special programmes. The arrangement was confirmed by Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak after he inspected facilities in the city.
The shift marks a notable change for the regular scheme, through which the large majority of Indonesian pilgrims travel. Until now, premium hotels near the Prophet's Mosque were used mainly by pilgrims on special, higher-cost packages.
A First in Hajj Management
"For the first time in our Hajj management history, around 17,000 regular pilgrims have access to four-star and five-star hotels," Simanjuntak said. He spoke after touring the Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotel ahead of the second arrival phase, when 16,904 pilgrims under the regular scheme were due to begin reaching Madinah.
The hotels secured for these pilgrims include the Millennium Al Aqeeq, Hilton, Makarem, and Front Taiba. According to the deputy minister, the Millennium Al Aqeeq sits about 50 metres from the Prophet's Mosque, placing pilgrims within easy walking distance of one of the holiest sites in Islam. Proximity to the mosque is highly valued, as it allows pilgrims, particularly the elderly, to attend prayers without long or tiring journeys.
Priority for the Elderly and Those With Special Needs
Simanjuntak said accommodation officers had been asked to give priority in room allocation to pilgrims with special needs. "If possible, I want these better facilities prioritised for elderly pilgrims," he said. Indonesia sends large numbers of older pilgrims each year, many of whom have waited decades for their turn, and reducing the physical strain of the journey has become a stated government priority.
The deputy minister described the upgrade as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of Hajj services. "Improving service quality is part of the government's efforts to improve Hajj management," he said, calling for all facilities and services to be fully ready before the regular pilgrims arrived.
Part of a Wider Service Push
The premium accommodation fits a pattern of service improvements that Indonesia has pursued through the 2026 season and into its early planning for 2027. The government has also moved to tighten food safety, strengthen security coordination with Saudi authorities, and prepare its field officials more thoroughly. Madinah, while not part of the obligatory Hajj rites, holds deep significance for pilgrims who visit the Prophet's Mosque and pray in it, and comfortable accommodation there shapes much of the overall experience.
Practical Notes for Pilgrims
Pilgrims hoping to benefit from improved accommodation should confirm hotel details with their official organisers before departure and understand that room assignments may prioritise the elderly and those with medical needs. Staying in a hotel close to the Prophet's Mosque is a privilege, but pilgrims should still plan their walking routes, allow extra time during crowded prayer periods, and look after travelling companions who may struggle with mobility. Treating shared facilities with care and following the guidance of accommodation officers helps ensure the comfort extends to everyone in the group.