In a move that could significantly alter the Hajj pilgrimage process for future generations, Indonesia’s House of Representatives is deliberating on a new legislative proposal that would allow children as young as nine years old to register for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This development comes as part of efforts to address the country’s notoriously long waiting period for Hajj slots, which in some regions can stretch beyond three decades.
Currently, Indonesian regulations—set by the Ministry of Religious Affairs—require pilgrims to be at least 18 years old to register for Hajj. However, this age threshold has led to a situation where many pilgrims are only able to make the journey in their late 50s or even 60s. By then, age-related health concerns often hinder their ability to perform the physically demanding Hajj rituals properly.
The new proposal, spearheaded by Commission VIII of the Indonesian House, seeks to drastically lower the registration age to nine. This idea was confirmed by the commission’s chairman, Marwan Dasopang, during a media briefing at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday.
According to him, the proposed adjustment aligns with Islamic jurisprudence, particularly the concept of mumayiz—a developmental stage when a child is considered mature enough to differentiate between right and wrong. In Islamic thought, this stage typically begins at around seven years of age.
At present, the Ministry of Religious Affairs permits Hajj registration starting from the age of 12, following a revision from the previous 18-year minimum.
However, lawmakers believe that even the current limit remains inadequate given the extensive wait time. With the average wait extending up to 30 or 40 years in some provinces, early registration is increasingly seen as the only viable path to ensure Indonesians can fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam while they are still physically capable.
Another factor influencing the urgency of this legislative shift is growing concern over potential changes in Saudi Arabia’s policies regarding age and health requirements for pilgrims. As the Kingdom continues to enhance crowd management and safety protocols amid increasing global demand for Hajj slots, there are fears that stricter age-related health regulations could further reduce opportunities for aging registrants in the future.
The proposal is being debated as part of the new Hajj and Umrah Bill under the 2025–2029 National Legislative Program. A crucial plenary vote on the bill is scheduled for August 26. If passed into law, the bill will also bring about a significant institutional reform—transferring oversight and operations of Hajj affairs from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to a newly established Hajj Management Agency beginning in 2026.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a population of over 270 million, sends the highest number of pilgrims to the Hajj annually.
As of 2024, Indonesia’s Hajj quota stood at over 240,000 pilgrims, reflecting the deep religious significance of the pilgrimage for its citizens. However, this figure still pales in comparison to the demand, prompting lawmakers to innovate solutions that can help younger Indonesians secure their place in the pilgrimage queue early.
The move to lower the registration age, though still in the deliberation stage, has already sparked widespread public and religious debate in Indonesia. Supporters argue it is a pragmatic response to demographic realities and the logistical constraints of the Hajj system, while critics caution against potential misuse or over-commercialization of the pilgrimage process.
Nonetheless, as the world watches Indonesia’s legislative chambers closely, one thing remains clear: the country is determined to ensure that its citizens, regardless of age, are given a fair and realistic chance to fulfill one of the most sacred obligations in Islam.