3,091 Hajj Pilgrims from Riau Repatriated from Saudi Arabia
The repatriation of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, including those from Riau Province, is ongoing following the peak of the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia. As of 11 June 2026, a total of 3,091 pilgrims from Riau have returned to the homeland, with the majority having already arrived and reunited with their families in their respective regions.
The Head of the Riau Provincial Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Defizon, stated that the thousands of pilgrims were repatriated via seven flight groups (kloter). “Alhamdulillah, the repatriation process for Riau’s Hajj pilgrims has proceeded smoothly so far. There have been no significant obstacles hindering the pilgrims’ return to the homeland,” Defizon said on Friday (12/6).
He explained that several pilgrims underwent a tanazul process, or adjustment of their departure group. However, this situation was managed well and did not affect the overall smoothness of the repatriation. “Indeed, there were some pilgrims who experienced tanazul, but all were accommodated properly so the repatriation process continued according to schedule,” he clarified.
The total of 3,091 individuals who have returned to Indonesia comprises 3,046 regular Hajj pilgrims, 14 Regional Hajj Officers (PHD), 3 supervisors from the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Guidance Group (KBIHU), and 28 flight group officers.
He is optimistic that the repatriation process for all Riau pilgrims will be completed according to the schedule set by the government. “The final flight group of Riau Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to depart Saudi Arabia at the end of June 2026 and will arrive in Batam a day later. God willing, the entire repatriation series will proceed smoothly until the end,” he said.
Amid the ongoing repatriation process, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also begun evaluating the organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The evaluation covers various service aspects, including transportation, accommodation, consumption, health services, and pilgrim assistance. “This step is taken as an effort to improve service quality for the upcoming Hajj season, so that the pilgrimage becomes better, more comfortable, safer, and provides satisfaction for all Indonesian pilgrims,” he concluded.