TULUNGAGUNG – The number of civil servants applying for Hajj leave in Tulungagung continues to rise as the 2026 pilgrimage season approaches.
As of early May, at least 33 state employees in the Tulungagung regency administration had submitted leave requests to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Local officials expect the number to increase further in the coming weeks.
Head of the Tulungagung Human Resources and Civil Service Agency (BKPSDM), Soeroto, said the current figure remains temporary because many employees usually apply closer to their departure schedule.
“Hajj leave applications generally increase near the departure date. So far, 33 civil servants have submitted requests, but the number will likely continue rising,” Soeroto said on Wednesday.
He added that this year’s trend will likely mirror previous pilgrimage seasons. In 2025, around 50 civil servants took Hajj leave from the Tulungagung administration.
“If we look at previous trends, the numbers usually remain similar. Last year around 50 employees took leave, and this year could reach a similar figure,” he explained.
Most applicants come from public service sectors, especially teachers and healthcare workers. Those two professions make up a large portion of Tulungagung’s civil servant workforce.
Some healthcare workers will also serve as regional Hajj officers, locally known as Petugas Haji Daerah (PHD). They will assist Indonesian pilgrims during the pilgrimage process.
“Most applicants work as teachers and healthcare staff. Some healthcare workers will also depart as regional Hajj officers,” Soeroto said.
According to BKPSDM, most employees requested between 45 and 50 days of leave. The duration covers departure schedules, pilgrimage activities, and recovery time after returning to Indonesia.
Despite the growing number of leave requests, the Tulungagung administration promised to maintain public services across all government sectors.
Officials are preparing several adjustments to prevent disruptions. The government plans to redistribute workloads, appoint acting officials, and reorganize work schedules within each agency.
Authorities consider the measures essential for maintaining services in strategic sectors such as education, healthcare, and government administration.
“Public services must continue running normally. We will make adjustments through acting officials and internal arrangements in each agency,” Soeroto stressed.
BKPSDM has also urged civil servants to submit leave applications earlier and complete all administrative requirements on time. Officials hope the step will simplify the verification process and prevent a buildup of late submissions.
Meanwhile, the agency has not finalized detailed data regarding senior structural officials, including echelon II officers, who plan to take Hajj leave this year. BKPSDM said it will continue updating the records as additional applications arrive.
Indonesia sends one of the world’s largest Hajj contingents every year, including thousands of government employees who apply for temporary leave to complete the Islamic pilgrimage.