Wamenhaj Opens Door for Non-Muslims as Hajj Workers in Indonesia
The proposal is tied to preparations for the 2027 Hajj and is to be piloted in Sulawesi Utara as a model for interfaith service.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak opened the door to involvement by non-Muslim residents in Indonesia's Hajj services. He floated the idea in Manado while discussing preparations for the 2027 Hajj, stressing that Hajj administration can be a space to strengthen tolerance and mutual aid. Dahnil said Hajj officers could include residents from Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu and other communities to support services for pilgrims. He cited Sulawesi Utara as an area with strong diversity and asked his staff to encourage interfaith participation there. According to Dahnil, although Hajj is a rite for Muslims, helping provide services to others is a humanitarian value that can involve all elements of society.