SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has confirmed that all special Hajj quotas for the 1446 Hijri/2025 pilgrimage have been fully booked.

This follows the conclusion of the extended payment period for the Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih) on Friday (2/21).

"As of the closing on Friday afternoon, 1,184 special Hajj pilgrims have completed their payments. Additionally, 1,516 special Hajj pilgrims have made payments under the reserve status. This brings the total to 2,700 pilgrims, exceeding the remaining available quota," said Hilman Latief, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, on Saturday (2/22).

The total Hajj quota for 2025 is 17,680 pilgrims, consisting of 3,404 postponed payments from previous years, 12,724 based on the next queue number, 177 elderly priority pilgrims (1 percent), and 1,375 Hajj officers (including PIHK officials, guides, and medical staff).

The first phase of the special Hajj quota registration was open from January 24 to February 7, 2025.

At that time, 14,467 pilgrims had completed their payments, leaving 1,838 slots available.

"Since there were still remaining special Hajj quotas, we opened an extension period from February 17 to 21, 2025," Hilman explained.

For reserve special Hajj pilgrims who have completed their payments this year but are unable to depart due to the quota being full, they will be given priority for next year’s departure.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will focus on overseeing the preparation of departure documents for special Hajj pilgrims, including visas and other requirements.

"We will continue coordinating with Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK) to ensure that pilgrims receive services in accordance with regulations," said Nugraha Setiawan, Director of Umrah and Special Hajj Affairs.