Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) has stated that the government is exploring the possibility of conducting Hajj pilgrimage via sea route. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that the plan for Hajj pilgrimage by sea is one of the outcomes of President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
He mentioned that MORA has initiated communication with the Saudi authorities to realize the plan to conduct Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage via sea route. "Looking ahead, we believe that introducing Umrah and Hajj through sea vessels is very prospective," Nasaruddin said in a written statement on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
Nasaruddin revealed the reasons behind this idea. He explained that the government hopes to provide a more cost-effective arrangement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage via sea route compared to air travel. He stated that this would make the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage more inclusive for all layers of society, both the poor and the rich.
The government also believes that using sea transportation will allow prospective Hajj pilgrims from countries in the Asian region to access the Holy Land through ports such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
"Not only countries nearby such as Egypt, but even from Indonesia and other Asian countries can have access," said the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque.
He explained that the implementation of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage via sea route will add value to Saudi Arabia. This approach is more open to various innovations and strategic investments there. "Saudi Arabia currently has a very business-oriented approach, with consultants from America. This really utilizes the geographical potential of Saudi Arabia," he said.
Previously, Nasaruddin claimed that many companies have come to his office to present the concept of Hajj pilgrimage via sea route. However, these companies do not have ships yet.
"It is only possible if they also collaborate with external parties. So, it might end up being expensive," Nasaruddin said when met at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jakarta, Thursday, 10 July 2025.
He stated that sea vessels have a high capacity and Saudi Arabia has facilities for Hajj via sea route. Regarding the cost, he mentioned that it could be inexpensive if many operators participate. "If there is intense competition, it could be cheap. But if there is only one player, it would be expensive," he said.
However, Nasaruddin stated that the idea of conducting Hajj via sea route is still in the initial study phase and has not become an official discussion. "There has been no official discussion within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. However, many companies have come and presented it," he said.
Nasaruddin mentioned that the use of sea vessels for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage is not new. In the past, he said, Indonesia had ships such as Belle Abeto and Gunung Jati that carried Indonesian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. "But it took three to four months. Now maybe the ships are faster and there are sea routes as well," he said.
BP Haji Rejects the Proposal of Hajj via Sea Route
However, the Indonesian Hajj Finance Agency (BP Haji) rejects the proposal to transport prospective hajj pilgrims via sea vessels as an alternative transportation for the 1447 Hijriah or 2026 hajj season.
"It's true that BP Haji does not agree with the departure of hajj pilgrims via sea vessels," said BP Haji's Expert Staff Ichsan Marsha in Padang, West Sumatra, Saturday, 12 July 2025, as quoted by Antara.
According to Ichsan, the idea of sending hajj pilgrims via sea vessels contradicts the spirit that BP Haji is building to provide the best service to the community.
Ichsan stated that sending prospective hajj pilgrims via sea route would automatically impact the duration of the journey to Saudi Arabia. He also considered the proposal to be uneconomical. If this policy is implemented, he said, it would also affect the Indonesian government's efforts to reduce the pilgrims' stay in the Holy Land from 40 days to 30 days.
On the other hand, he said that Prabowo had asked BP Haji to find a solution to reduce the Cost of Hajj Travel (Bipih) for the next hajj season from the 2025 hajj season.
"This means that the proposal to use sea vessels will shift our initial desires, such as efforts to reduce the cost of hajj and shorten the stay in the Holy Land," he said.
INSA: Hajj via Sea Route Holds Economic Potential as well as Major Challenges
The Central Board of the Indonesian National Shipowners' Association (INSA) views the idea of using the sea route for the departure of prospective hajj and umrah pilgrims as having economic potential, but also poses significant challenges that require mitigation.
"It is true that this idea is currently being discussed. The government has also discussed this with Saudi Arabia. This is a business opportunity, and we are ready to be involved," said the Chairman of INSA, Carmelita Hartoto when contacted in Jakarta, Saturday.
However, she mentioned that sending prospective hajj and umrah pilgrims via sea route presents significant challenges that require a comprehensive study, not only in terms of time and cost but also concerning changes in operational management. "For example, when dealing with pilgrims who are sick or die during the journey," said Carmelita.
She mentioned that the long sea journey of approximately 5,000 nautical miles at a ship speed of 15 knots could take up to 14 days one way. The return journey would also require a similar time.
All of these challenges must be mitigated and comprehensively considered, including logistical management, provision of facilities, and the cost structure required.
Carmelita also highlighted the availability of adequate passenger ships. "Whether through leasing or purchasing (ships). Considering we do not have passenger ships ready to carry this out," she said.
Although not having concrete details of the government's plan, Carmelita mentioned that they have heard about several offers from various parties. Therefore, she hopes that national shipping entrepreneurs can be involved in the future studies and planning.
Dede Leni Mardianti, Eka Yudha Saputra, and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
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