RRI.CO.ID, Jeddah - Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, officially marked the departure of the first group of Indonesian pilgrims returning home. The send-off took place at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The minister personally greeted members of the SUB-01 flight group, shaking hands and offering well wishes as they prepared to return to Indonesia. “We pray for your safe journey until you arrive back home,” he said, following the completion of their 40-day pilgrimage.

He also expressed apologies for any shortcomings in services during the Hajj. “We apologize if there were delays in services or if tents felt overcrowded,” Irfan noted, while stressing that the ministry had worked to provide the best possible care for all Indonesian pilgrims.

During the occasion, the minister symbolically draped scarves over representatives of the pilgrims. The gesture was warmly received, with many pilgrims taking photos together before entering the departure area. The departure of this first group marks the beginning of the repatriation phase for Indonesian pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah assured that all return processes are being closely supervised to ensure safety, order, and smooth operations throughout the repatriation. (Misni Parjiati)