BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, officially inaugurated the country's first Hajj and Umrah flight simulation center on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Hajj Dormitory Class I in Aceh.
The opening also marked the operational launch of Building A2 Grand Misfalah, which was constructed in 2025 under the Islamic State Bond (SBSN) program.
Improving Hajj Services
Read Also: Aceh Government Confirms Transparent Handling of 2025 Disaster Funds The inauguration ceremony was attended by Aceh's Deputy Governor Fadhlullah, Garuda Indonesia CEO Glenny Kairupan, National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) head Rachmat Pambudy, Citilink CEO, several Indonesian Parliament members, as well as representatives from Aceh's Regional Communication Forum (Forkopimda), government officials, and Banda Aceh city authorities.
Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar emphasized the central government's commitment to enhancing services across multiple sectors, including Hajj, Umrah, and aviation.
"The President's commitment to Hajj and Umrah, especially for Aceh, is extraordinary," Anzar said.
He expressed hope that the flight simulation center would provide real benefits for prospective pilgrims.
Read Also: Tito Karnavian Hands Over Aid for Disaster-Damaged Homes in Aceh Tamiang "This flight simulation is the first of its kind in Indonesia. People in Aceh are indeed fortunate. Congratulations!" he added.
First Experience with Real Aircraft Structure
Deputy Governor Fadhlullah praised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Garuda Indonesia for their support in improving pilgrim services in Aceh.
"This simulation aircraft is the first in Indonesia to use a real airplane body. It provides pilgrims with a realistic experience and prepares them for flight procedures and safety protocols," Fadhlullah explained.
Read Also: Aceh Receives Meugang Cattle Aid from President Prabowo for Disaster Victims Building A2 Grand Misfalah also expands accommodation capacity and offers more comfortable services, strengthening both the technical and mental readiness of pilgrims for their journey to the Holy Land.
Historical Connection: Seulawah RI 001
Fadhlullah highlighted Aceh's historic connection with aviation, particularly during Indonesia's struggle for independence against Dutch military aggression in 1947–1948.
President Sukarno visited Aceh on June 16, 1948, to raise funds for purchasing an aircraft to support the Republic. The Acehnese community, organized by GASIDA, collected 120,000 Malaya dollars and 20 kg of gold to buy a Dakota DC-3. This plane later became the foundation of Indonesian Airways, evolving into Garuda Indonesia (Seulawah RI 001).
Read Also: Aceh Accelerates Aid for Flood and Landslide Victims "This clearly demonstrates how deeply the people of Aceh love their Republic," Fadhlullah said.
Focus on Airfare and New Routes
Fadhlullah also criticized high airfares on the Aceh–Jakarta route, which are more expensive than flights via Kuala Lumpur, and called for airlines to adjust pricing. He proposed reopening the Banda Aceh–Medan route to improve connectivity and stimulate the economy.
"Aceh needs direct, regular flights for Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Over 30,000 people from Aceh perform Umrah annually. We hope for fare adjustments and related measures," Fadhlullah said, stressing that Aceh has special legal regulations that must be considered in central government decisions. (IDNC)
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