17 Hajj Pilgrims from Jombang Receive Financial Aid from UAE

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) continues to oversee the return phase of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to their respective regions. During a welcome ceremony at the Jombang Regency Pendopo, East Java, on Thursday (18/6), 17 local Hajj pilgrims received financial aid from the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The assistance is a form of support from the UAE Government through a social foundation, officially distributed via Indonesia’s Kemenhaj. Nationally, the aid, totalling USD 190,000 or approximately Rp3.3 billion, is allocated to 160 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims deemed most in need.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that all beneficiaries underwent an assessment process to ensure the aid was well-targeted, particularly regarding their economic background. “The fortunate ones are Hajj pilgrims who are in need. From Jombang, I saw there were kerupuk sellers, street vendors, and roadside ice sellers,” said the Minister at the Jombang Regency Pendopo.

He added that this financial intervention is expected to help the pilgrims’ economy after returning from the Holy Land. “This assistance is given according to who needs it,” he continued.

The arrival of Hajj pilgrims in groups Kloter 62 and 63 was welcomed directly by the Minister alongside Jombang Regent Warsubi. On that occasion, the Minister commended the pilgrims’ orderliness during the repatriation phase. “We welcome back all Hajj pilgrims. Alhamdulillah, you have completed the entire series of Hajj rituals and returned to the homeland. May all your acts of worship be accepted by Allah SWT, may you attain a mabrur Hajj, and bring blessings to your families, communities, and the nation,” said Gus Irfan.

Meanwhile, Head of the Kemenhaj Office for Jombang Regency, Ilham Rohim, detailed that 1,259 Hajj pilgrims from Jombang have now returned to Indonesia in stages, out of a total of 1,263 pilgrims dispatched. “Meanwhile, four Hajj pilgrims from Jombang were reported to have passed away while performing the Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Land,” Ilham revealed.

Kemenhaj affirmed its commitment to continue overseeing the next wave of repatriation to ensure it proceeds safely, orderly, and smoothly. Pilgrims who have returned are also urged to maintain the spirit of mabrur and become drivers of good deeds within their respective communities.