5,997 Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Madinah
A total of 5,997 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from the first wave arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, 22 April 2026. The thousands of pilgrims, comprising 15 flight groups (kloter), landed gradually at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah.
The pilgrims hail from various embarkation points in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Medan, Lombok, Solo, and Makassar, according to Yusron B. Ambary, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, in a written statement on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Yusron stated that the majority of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are elderly. Therefore, he urged pilgrims not to overexert themselves in worship if their physical condition is not optimal. While in the Holy Land, pilgrims are asked to limit their movements and reduce unnecessary activities to maintain their health.
“Pilgrims are expected to always maintain their health and not push themselves, considering that the series of Hajj worship is still long,” he said. He reminded that prime physical condition is essential for pilgrims to perform the peak of Hajj worship well in May ahead.
Additionally, pilgrims are advised to be wary of weather changes in Madinah by using personal protective equipment. Khalilurrahman, Head of the Madinah Working Area (Daker), recommended that pilgrims use protective gear such as umbrellas, glasses, masks, and footwear.
Furthermore, pilgrims are urged to apply sunscreen and lip balm to protect their bodies from heat exposure. “In addition, it is important to drink water regularly, about two to three sips every 20 to 30 minutes,” said Khalilurrahman on Thursday.
According to him, the elderly pilgrims arriving in the first wave will receive hotel facilities very close to the Prophet’s Mosque. The distance from the accommodation to the mosque is only about 50 metres, facilitating worship and visits to Raudhah, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities.
This year, Indonesia has a Hajj quota of 221,000, with 92 per cent for regular Hajj and 8 per cent for special Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah divides the departure of Hajj pilgrims into two waves and 525 kloter. The first wave began departing on Wednesday, 22 April, while the second wave will end on 21 May 2026.
Subsequently, pilgrims are scheduled to perform the peak Hajj series, namely the wuquf at Arafah, falling on 26 May 2026, or coinciding with 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 Hijri. The return of pilgrims to the homeland will begin on 1 June 2026 and end on 1 July 2026.