516 Hajj Pilgrims Depart, Reminded to Guard Nusuk Cards and Avoid Selfies

The departure ceremony for 516 Hajj pilgrims from the Sahid Tour travel agency took place at the Sahid Jakarta Hotel on Sunday evening. The event, marked by a sense of solemnity and enthusiasm, concluded the long period of preparation and religious rituals (manasik) required for the journey. Hariyadi Sukamdani, President Director and CEO of Sahid Tour, expressed gratitude that despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the group is ready to depart on Monday.

This year’s Hajj season involves stringent regulations implemented by the Saudi Arabian government to maintain order and safety. A key component is the use of the Nusuk card, which is vital for pilgrims to manage. Hariyadi emphasised that these strict rules are intended for the well-being of all worshippers in the Holy Land.

Furthermore, pilgrims have been advised to exercise caution during rituals such as Tawaf at the Kaaba. The Director of Sahid Tour, Hari Prakoso, requested that pilgrims refrain from forcing themselves to kiss the Black Stone (Hajar Aswad) to avoid causing injury to others or risking personal safety. He also advised pilgrims to use mobile phones responsibly, specifically warning against posting status updates or taking selfies within the Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi to avoid seeking social media validation.

Muharom Ahmad, CEO of Nozoly Indonesia—the company responsible for distributing Nusuk cards in Indonesia and Malaysia—stressed the importance of safeguarding these cards. The Nusuk card contains all essential pilgrim data and is required for access to the Raudah in Medina, as well as for the pilgrimage to Makkah and the pivotal Wukuf ritual in Arafat. While pilgrims are encouraged to keep a digital photo of the card as a backup, they were warned that losing the physical card could severely complicate processes with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.