Banyumasan Dialect Used by Hajj Health Workers in Madinah to Educate Pilgrims

A different atmosphere was evident during a health socialisation session for Hajj pilgrims from Kloter 75 Solo on the floor of the Hotel Diyar Al Nakheel, Friday (19/6/2026). The lively chatter of the Banyumasan ‘ngapak’ dialect echoed loudly inside the hotel located in Sector 4 of Madinah. One of the health workers, Kloter SOC 75 doctor Putri Restu Wulandari, used the ngapak language from the beginning to the end of the session. The use of the regional language was deemed effective in facilitating understanding among pilgrims of various age groups and social strata. “All pilgrims, don’t forget, number one is water, water, water,” she said in front of more than a dozen pilgrims seated in a circle that afternoon. She conveyed this to pilgrims from Purwokerto, most of whom were over 50 years old, with some even above 60. The Banyumasan dialect proved effective for delivering messages and was quickly grasped by the pilgrims. Amidst Madinah’s temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, much education had to be delivered. Drinking plain water or zamzam water consistently, one or two sips every 10 to 20 minutes, was emphasised to prevent dehydration. “Number two, use personal protective equipment, for example sandals, an umbrella, a mask. Sunblock is also important so your face can glow like mine,” she said, drawing laughter from the attendees. Dr Putri interspersed jokes throughout the socialisation, which were also effectively received by the pilgrims. Throughout the nearly 45-minute session, not a single pilgrim left their seat.