1,285 Brebes Pilgrims Begin Solemn Return from Holy Land

The Hajj pilgrimage for the 1447 H/2026 M season for pilgrims from Brebes Regency, Central Java, was conducted successfully and with great solemnity. The return of pilgrims to Indonesia began in stages on Thursday (5/6/2026). The entire series of worship, from preparations in Indonesia, mobilisation to Medina and Mecca, to the pinnacle of the pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, proceeded smoothly without significant obstacles. Azmi Asmuni Majid of the Brebes Regional Hajj Officer Team explained that out of an initial quota of 1,294 pilgrims, four failed to depart due to istitha’ah (health) constraints. Of the 1,290 pilgrims dispatched, five died in the Holy Land. Consequently, 1,285 Hajj pilgrims from Brebes returned home starting Thursday (4/6) via several flight groups at Solo Embarkation. Azmi noted this success resulted from thorough preparation by the Brebes Regency Government, the Hajj Organisers Forum, the Brebes Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups, covering rituals and administrative consolidation. The success received appreciation, with attention given by Brebes Regent Paramitha Widya Kusuma from preparation to return. The commitment to ensuring accommodation, transport, and assistance was key to comfort. Support from the local government was tangible, including technical coordination on the ground, according to the Hajj Organisers Forum. A senior ministry official highlighted the dedication of Hajj officers, including flight group heads, worship guides, and health workers, who provided humane and professional services around the clock. The role of the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups was deemed crucial in providing psychological calm and accurate ritual guidance. Operational smoothness was supported by synergy with the Solo Embarkation/Debarkation Committee and the regional working committees for Medina and Mecca, ensuring health services, consumption, and protection were optimally fulfilled. Azmi expressed hope that the success serves as momentum to improve future service quality and that pilgrims return safely, achieving the mabrur designation, which will have a positive impact on moral development and social spirit in Brebes Regency.