Nearly 6,000 Indonesian Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah for Hajj

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s first wave of pilgrims for the Hajj season 1447 Hijri has landed in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, with nearly 6,000 people arriving since the mission began on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah Yusron B. Ambary urged pilgrims to limit unnecessary outdoor activities to safeguard their health.

“Pilgrims are expected to always maintain their health and not push themselves, considering the Hajj rituals are still long ahead,” Yusron said in a statement from Jakarta on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that many Indonesian pilgrims are elderly and should avoid overexertion to ensure they are physically prepared for the peak of the pilgrimage in May.

Similarly, Head of the Madinah Working Area (Daker), Khalilurrahman, advised pilgrims to be mindful of weather conditions. He recommended using umbrellas, sunglasses, masks, and comfortable footwear, while also stressing the importance of hydration.

“Pilgrims are advised to drink water regularly, about two to three sips every 20–30 minutes,” he noted, adding that sunscreen and lip balm can help protect against the hot climate.

On the first day of arrivals, a total of 5,997 pilgrims from 15 flight groups landed at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah by late evening on Wednesday. The groups came from various embarkation points across Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Medan, Lombok, Solo, and Makassar.

The arrival marks the beginning of Indonesia’s large-scale participation in this year’s Hajj, with health and safety reminders underscoring the importance of preparation for the demanding rituals ahead. ***