120 Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Still Hospitalised in Saudi Arabia, Repatriation Awaits Medical Clearance

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reported that 120 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are still receiving treatment in Saudi Arabian hospitals. They will be repatriated as soon as they are declared medically fit to travel.

“There are still 120 pilgrims undergoing treatment. They will be repatriated once declared fit to fly,” said Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

Gus Irfan stated that pilgrims still hospitalised in Saudi Arabia remain the responsibility of the Indonesian government until they can return home. Their condition will continue to be monitored by Hajj officers who are still on duty. Once their health improves and they are cleared for travel, they will be flown back to Indonesia.

“Even if their flight group has already returned, we will certainly repatriate them as soon as the doctor says they are fit to fly,” he said.

Meanwhile, a total of 350 pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia to date. According to the minister, although this figure is lower than the previous year, the ministry stressed that the mortality rate must be further reduced by strengthening health screening requirements.

“The number is quite large for us, but Alhamdulillah it is still below last year’s figure, with a difference of more than 100. So this is an achievement for us, albeit not a satisfactory one. Next year we will tighten and strengthen the health istitaah requirements for our pilgrims,” he said.