Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammad Irfan Yusuf, known as Gus Irfan, officially opened the CAT exam and interview for the 2026 Hajj Organizers (PPIH) selection in Jakarta on December 18, 2025. He stressed the need for a clean and rule-compliant process in the ministry's first year. A total of 5,201 verified participants are taking the test at Asrama Haji Pondok Gede.
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mohammad Irfan Yusuf (Gus Irfan), officially opened the Computer Assisted Test (CAT) exam and interviews for the selection of Hajj Organizers (PPIH) for 1447 H/2026 M at Asrama Haji Pondok Gede in Jakarta. This event marks the first year the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is independently managing the Hajj process.
In his speech, Gus Irfan emphasized the commitment to conducting the selection cleanly and in accordance with regulations. "I want to emphasize that this year is the first for Kemenhaj to organize the Hajj process, including selection. Therefore, we really want to implement the rules, especially keeping the entire process clean," he stated firmly. He also reminded participants and organizers to serve Hajj pilgrims sincerely, without expecting rewards, and to reject any gifts from pilgrims. "Serving Hajj pilgrims is the main duty of Hajj officials. We serve Allah's guests with sincerity and devotion, and getting the chance to perform Hajj is a bonus, not the main goal," he said. Further, "We want our first Hajj to be clean. Because our worship is sacred. Please reject anything given. Insya Allah, it will become our worshipful deed."
Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organization Development, Puji Raharjo, reported that registrations via the app reached 11,349 people, the highest record in history, consisting of civil servants, non-civil servants, and professionals who meet the requirements. Of that number, 5,201 participants passed verification and are eligible for the CAT test and interviews. To ensure orderliness, the committee has formed supervisors to keep the process accountable.
Participants are advised to arrive 30 minutes early before the 07:30 WIB schedule, bringing their 10x16 cm participant card in a blue holder, an Android phone with the CAT app, power bank, internet backup, attire per regulations (long-sleeved white shirt and black pants/skirt, black headscarf for women), personal snacks, and login access to their registration account. No refreshments are provided by the committee.
