RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A total of 442 Indonesian pilgrims from the fifth departure group were sent off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday, April 25, 2026 by utilizing the fast-track service known as the Mecca Route. The program allows all immigration procedures, including visa issuance and biometric verification, to be completed in Indonesia prior to departure.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims no longer need to undergo immigration checks and they can proceed directly to buses that will take them to their hotels in Madinah or Makkah.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi, conveyed the Mecca Route service provides convenience for Hajj pilgrims from various countries, including Indonesia.

“This aims to simplify the pilgrims’ travel procedures from airports in their home countries until they arrive in the Holy Land,” Faisal said.

He underscored that the program also reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Muslims worldwide.

“This initiative reaffirms that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays an important role in providing services to Muslims around the world, including Indonesia,” he mentioned.

In addition, he noted that the efforts of both countries to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage align with Saudi Arabia’s vision to provide the best services for the guests of Allah performing the fifth pillar of Islam. With this service, pilgrims no longer need to undergo immigration procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

In line with this, Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, expressed appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support in this year’s Hajj organization.

“We are grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their significant support in the current Hajj process,” Irfan Yusuf said.

In 2026, the fast-track service in Indonesia has been expanded to four cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Solo, and Makassar. The government hopes this expansion will continue so that more pilgrims can benefit from a smoother and more convenient Hajj journey.