2026 Hajj Repatriation Phase Begins as BTH 01 Group Leads Departure

The first phase of Indonesian Hajj repatriation has officially commenced. Pilgrims began departing from their accommodations in Mecca to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday (31 May) evening WIB, before heading back to Indonesia.

The first group (BTH 01) from Batam Embarkation led the repatriation process, scheduled to take off at 03:00 Saudi Arabia Time (WAS) on Monday (1 June).

The departure ceremony was led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Teguh Dwi Nugroho, accompanied by the Mecca Working Area Head, Ihsan Faisal.

Mecca Working Area Head Ihsan Faisal stated that BTH 01 comprised approximately 445 pilgrims, with repatriation proceeding in phases from 1 June 2026.

In total, the initial phase includes 17 groups with 6,798 pilgrims. Ihsan expressed gratitude for the pilgrims’ condition as they return home.

“Alhamdulillah, we observed the pilgrims were proud, happy, healthy, and undoubtedly eager to return home to their families and country,” Ihsan said after the departure ceremony at Hotel Safa Almurjan on Sunday (31 May).

Ihsan added that second-wave pilgrims will depart from Mecca to Medina on 7 June 2026, staying for approximately nine days before being dispatched to Indonesia.

In Medina, pilgrims will focus on worship, particularly prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, visiting the Prophet’s tomb, and entering the Raudhah.

“Second-wave pilgrims can utilise the time before departure for spiritually enriching activities, including prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, visiting religious sites, and historical city tours,” Ihsan added.

The second wave repatriation from Medina is scheduled to proceed in phases until 30 June 2026. (Mal/I-1)