Yusuf previously led the Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji), which has now been upgraded to a full government ministry. He had long been seen as the likely candidate for the new post.
During the 2025 Hajj season, Yusuf played a key role overseeing and evaluating Indonesia’s pilgrimage operations, which were still under the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the time.
Starting in 2026, the new ministry will handle all aspects of Hajj and Umrah management independently.
Recently, Yusuf visited Saudi Arabia to inspect an 80-hectare site where the government plans to build an “Indonesian Hajj Village” to better support pilgrims.
Related news: Indonesia prepares major overhaul of Hajj and Umrah service system
The 62-year-old comes from a prominent religious family in Jombang, East Java. He is the grandson of KH Hasyim Asy'ari, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization.
Yusuf earned his degrees from Brawijaya University and has held various leadership roles in Islamic boarding schools and financial institutions linked to religious communities.
He entered politics in 2018 as a spokesperson for the Prabowo-Sandiaga presidential campaign and won a seat in Indonesia’s House of Representatives in 2024, representing East Java.
President Prabowo said the creation of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aims to improve services for Indonesian pilgrims, from logistics and healthcare to accommodation and spiritual guidance. Indonesia sends more pilgrims to Mecca each year than any other country.
The move also ends the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ 75-year role in managing the Hajj, shifting responsibilities to a dedicated agency focused solely on pilgrimage services.
Related news: DPR urges new Hajj Ministry to evaluate 2025 pilgrimage
Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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