Politics · Indonesia · 53 mins ago
Indonesia says non-Muslims can support Hajj services in technical roles
Indonesia’s deputy Hajj minister supports involving people of different faiths in services for Indonesian pilgrims.
Dahnil Anzar says non-Muslims can take on technical, non-worship roles, including medical, engineering and support work.
Non-Muslim staff have already helped at departure and arrival points, particularly in areas where Muslims are a minority.
Hajj services cover the journey from departure in Indonesia until pilgrims return, not only activities in Mecca and Medina.
A senior Indonesian Muslim cleric says non-Muslims must not lead or support the religious rites, though technical field work is acceptable.
He also says Muslims should be given priority when enough qualified people are available.
The proposal aims to promote cooperation and tolerance while keeping religious duties distinct.
Dahnil says he has asked officials to seek non-Muslim participation in North Sulawesi and wants the approach considered more widely across Indonesia.
Indonesia’s MUI says non-Muslims must not serve as Hajj officials responsible for religious duties.
MUI deputy chair Cholil Nafis said non-Muslims may help with technical and field work, but religious duties must be handled by Muslims.
Hajj Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar has proposed involving people of different faiths in supporting Indonesian pilgrims.
Dahnil said non-Muslim staff already help with technical tasks at some departure and return points.
He described the proposal as a way to promote tolerance, cooperation and humanitarian solidarity.
- Who
- MUI deputy chair Cholil Nafis and Hajj Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar.
- What
- MUI says religious duties during Hajj must be handled by Muslims, while non-Muslims may assist with technical work. Dahnil has proposed involving people of different faiths in support services.
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 31, 2026; Cholil responded on November 2, and Dahnil clarified his position on November 3.
- Where
- Indonesia; Dahnil cited Sulawesi Utara as an example.
- Why
- Dahnil said cross-faith participation could promote tolerance and cooperation. Cholil said Hajj is an Islamic ritual with specific religious requirements.
MUI
Hajj Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar
Religious duties
MUI
Non-Muslims must not serve as Hajj officials responsible for religious duties.
Hajj Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar
Dahnil proposed involving people of different faiths in Hajj support services, while distinguishing technical work from religious duties.
Scope of participation
MUI
Non-Muslims may take technical or field roles, and Muslims should be prioritized when enough are available.
Hajj Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar
Non-Muslims can contribute to non-religious support tasks as part of wider community cooperation.
Dahnil proposed allowing people of different faiths to support services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
Cholil said non-Muslims could take technical or field roles but not roles involving religious duties.
Dahnil said non-Muslims already perform technical work at some Hajj departure and return points.
- MUI representative
- Cholil Nafis, deputy chair
- Hajj deputy minister
- Dahnil Anzar
- Proposal date
- October 31, 2026
- MUI response
- November 2, 2026
- Example region
- Sulawesi Utara
3 sources
What people are saying
Field staff may serve, but not religious-duty staff, because Hajj officials responsible for carrying out religious rites must not be non-Muslims.
Non-religious technical tasks at departure and return points, doctors, nurses, technical staff and others: this represents mutual help and cooperation.
Our focus is to ensure that Hajj pilgrims become a symbol of tolerance among religious communities.