JAKARTA – A proposal to allow non-Muslim citizens to serve as staff during Hajj operations has ignited a policy debate in Indonesia, with the country’s top Islamic authority urging strict limits on their involvement.
The proposal, reportedly floated by the ministry overseeing Hajj affairs, would permit non-Muslims to work in logistical and support roles during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The move is seen as an effort to address staffing shortages and promote inclusivity in Hajj management.
However, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has responded cautiously, emphasizing that while inclusivity is valued, the sacred nature of Hajj must be preserved.
KH M. Cholil Nafis, Deputy Chairman of the MUI, said the involvement of non-Muslims must be strictly confined to technical or field duties and must not extend to religious guidance or ritual matters.
“Hajj is a purely Islamic ritual,” Cholil Nafis said in a statement on Tuesday. “Non-Muslim staff may assist in logistical or administrative capacities, but they must not lead or participate in religious ceremonies. Muslim personnel should remain the priority as long as human resources are sufficient.”
The debate comes as Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, continues to refine its Hajj management ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage season. The MUI’s response signals that any policy shift will need to balance operational needs with religious sensitivities.
Officials have not yet indicated whether the proposal will be formally adopted. The MUI’s guidance is expected to weigh heavily on any final decision, given its influence on Islamic policy in Indonesia.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
