Aceh Hajj Pilgrim Death Toll in Holy Land Rises to 15

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) Debarkasi Aceh has reported that the number of Acehnese pilgrims who have died due to illness has increased by two, bringing the total fatalities in the Holy Land of Mecca and Medina to 15. “Two more Acehnese pilgrims have died in Mecca, so far 15 have passed away in the Holy Land,” said Arijal, Head of PPIH Debarkasi Aceh, in Banda Aceh on Saturday. Arijal stated that the two pilgrims who died today were M Natsir Muhammad Isa (60) from Kloter 14, originating from Pidie Jaya, who passed away at the Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital in Mecca. “Both had been undergoing treatment there and were reported to have died today,” he said. Arijal noted that the 13 other Acehnese pilgrims who previously died in Saudi Arabia included Mustafa Ismail (69) from Kloter 4, Banda Aceh, who died at King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Mecca due to respiratory problems on Friday (19/6). Others included Busra Bustamam Jamil from Kloter 9, South Aceh, in Mecca; Dedeng Trisulo from Kloter 11, Lhokseumawe, in Medina on Wednesday (18/6); and Razali Mahmud Ben from Kloter 4, Langsa, who died at Al Haram Hospital in Medina on Monday (15/6) due to complications. Arijal explained that the pilgrims who died in Mecca have been buried in two different locations, namely the Shariah Cemetery and Saraya Suhada Al Haram, while those who died in Medina are interred at the Baqi Cemetery. He added that there are currently seven Acehnese pilgrims still receiving treatment in hospitals in Saudi Arabia, both in Mecca and Medina. On this occasion, Arijal expressed his condolences and prayed that the bereaved families be granted fortitude, patience, and sincerity in accepting Allah’s decree. He hoped that their passing while performing the hajj pilgrimage would be a path to mercy and forgiveness, and that all their acts of worship, prayers, and devotion be accepted by Allah SWT. As of this reporting, Acehnese pilgrims have been flown back to Indonesia since 15 June 2026. To date, five flight groups totalling 1,959 pilgrims have arrived in Aceh, with more groups to follow.