Bogor Regency releases first batch of 445 prospective hajj pilgrims from Cibinong
Bogor Regency (ANTARA) - The Bogor Regency Government in West Java released the departure of 445 prospective hajj pilgrims from Bogor Regency, grouped in Cluster 03, at the Tegar Beriman Hall in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, on Thursday.
The release was conducted by Deputy Regent of Bogor Ade Ruhandi and members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), who joined in praying for all pilgrims to be granted smooth proceedings, health, and safety during their hajj pilgrimage until their return to the homeland.
“Praise be to God, we are grateful to Allah that this morning Cluster 03 for Bogor Regency, the prospective hajj pilgrims as guests of Allah, are departing with a total of 445 people,” said Ade.
He explained that the total number of prospective hajj pilgrims from Bogor Regency for the 2026 hajj season reaches 2,504 people, divided into eight clusters. Cluster 03 is the first departure for pilgrims from Bogor Regency this year.
After being released from Cibinong, the pilgrims were transported to the Pondok Gede Embarkation in Jakarta. They are scheduled to depart from the dormitory to the airport on Friday morning (24/4) and fly to Saudi Arabia at 12:10 WIB.
Ade hopes that all pilgrims can carry out the entire series of hajj rituals smoothly and return to Bogor Regency in good health.
“Depart safely, return safely, and be able to reunite with family and all of us,” he said.
He also conveyed a message for the pilgrims to pray for the people of Bogor Regency, the nation, and the state, especially amid the geopolitical situation in the Middle East that is a concern for the government.
According to him, the central government together with the Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared various measures to ensure the comfort and security of pilgrims during their worship in the Holy Land.
The Bogor Regency Government, along with its regional apparatus, including the Health Office, is also continuously monitoring the health conditions of prospective hajj pilgrims to ensure the entire departure process runs smoothly.
Ade added that the Bogor Regency Government hopes the hajj quota for 2027 can increase. This is because this year all regencies and cities have experienced a decrease in quota, while the queue for prospective hajj pilgrims remains quite long.
He mentioned that the youngest pilgrim this hajj season is 17 years old, departing with family, while the oldest is 88 years old.
“Even though they appear elderly, their spirit is extraordinary. Because some have been waiting up to 12 years, even 14 years,” he said.