Indonesia and Oman Renew History of Maritime Hajj Journeys on Onrust Island

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia and Oman are bringing the history of Indonesia’s maritime Hajj journeys alive again. The Jakarta Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, held a temporary exhibition titled “From Batavia to Baitullah: Memories of the Hajj of the Past” on Onrust Island, Thousand Islands, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

This location was chosen because Onrust Island holds significant historical significance in the history of Hajj journeys across the Indonesian archipelago. The exhibition opening was attended by officials from the Jakarta Provincial Government, representatives of the Sultanate of Oman, community members, academics, and others.

The Head of the Jakarta Maritime Museum Management Unit, Misari, stated that the exhibition focuses on the history of Indonesian Hajj journeys in the past, when sea routes were the primary choice for pilgrims.

“This exhibition highlights the stories of Hajj journeys in the past, when the journey to the Holy Land was still closely intertwined with the history of seafaring and maritime travel,” Misari explained.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Sultanate of Oman emphasized the importance of Omani sailors’ role in the history of navigation in the Indian Ocean. Museum Specialist from the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Hassan Abdullah Saleh Al Shukaili, said that in the past, Omani sailors had contributed to the Indian Ocean region, including by transporting Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to the holy lands.

“Through this exhibition, Oman is proud to showcase its rich maritime heritage and highlight the role of Omani sailors and traditional vessels in connecting communities across the Indian Ocean, including their contribution to transporting pilgrims to holy cities during the 18th and 19th centuries,” Hassan said.

One of the attendees, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign’s Career Diplomat, Moehammad Amar Ma’ruf, spoke to RRI Voice of Indonesia about the importance of Onrust Island’s history as a reminder to continue treating Hajj pilgrims with humanity, from the service systems of the past to the current government’s plan to develop Kampung Haji. Based on static archives, he said that the Hajj is not only focused on religious activities but is also closely linked to trade networks, maritime travel, and the independence movement.

“The issue of the Hajj is not just about the pilgrimage itself but is also related to trade, shipping, and all sorts of other matters. This is what the traders of the Archipelago considered, how to facilitate these Hajj-related activities, so that communication was closely tied to efforts to achieve independence from colonial rule,” Amar conveyed.

The temporary exhibition “From Batavia to Baitullah: Memories of the Hajj of the Past” showcases a variety of archival collections, photographs, and artifacts presented across six thematic zones, ranging from the journey on Onrust Island as a hajj quarantine site to a historical reflection on the Indonesian hajj from the colonial era to the present day. Located in the Thousand Islands, the exhibition is open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday until January 1, 2027.