Turning Into 103 Years Old, Indonesian Pilgrim Enthusiastically Performs Hajj

RRI.CO.ID, Medina - Mardijiyono's enthusiasm for performing the Hajj pilgrimage still is still strong, even at the age of 103. Using a wheelchair, the Indonesian pilgrim, affectionately known as Mbah Mardi, departed from Medina for Mecca to perform the obligatory Umrah and prepare for the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

Mbah Mardi departed with the YIA 9 group from the Makarem Haram View Suites Hotel in Medina on Monday afternoon at around 4:30 PM Saudi Arabian Time (WAS). Accompanied by an officer, he was slowly pushed to the departure bus.

Since the Asr prayer, around 3:30 PM WAS, Mbah Mardi had been on the bus with several other elderly pilgrims, awaiting transportation to Mecca. Meanwhile, some other pilgrims were still performing Asr prayers at the Prophet's Mosque.

The Head of Sector 1 in Medina, Ramlan Sudarto, stated that the departure of the YIA 9 group was earlier than originally scheduled because all pilgrims were ready to depart. "If all pilgrims have boarded the bus, their numbers have been checked, and they are ready to depart, then it's better to depart earlier to avoid having to wait too long on the bus," Ramlan said on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The YIA 9 group is scheduled to stop at the Dzulhulaifah Mosque or Bir Ali to enter the state of ihram before continuing their journey to Mecca. Those able to perform the sunnah prayer can perform the sunnah prayer at the mosque, while elderly pilgrims and those in wheelchairs remain on the bus.

Despite previously being treated in a Saudi Arabian hospital, Mbah Mardi's health is now stable. During his recovery, he is said to remain cooperative and has a good appetite.