Central Java Deputy Governor Releases First Hajj Batch for 2026 from Solo Embarkation Point

The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, officially released the departure of the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Central Java for the year 1447 H/2026 AD. The release took place at the Solo Embarkation Point (Donohudan), Boyolali Regency, on Wednesday (22 April 2026) at 01:05 WIB.

This first batch, known by the code SOC 1, transported 360 pilgrims from Tegal Regency. They flew to Madinah on Garuda Indonesia flight number GIA 6101. In his speech, Taj Yasin emphasised the importance of pilgrims complying with instructions from officials during their time in the Holy Land.

“The most important thing to note there is the guidance from the Hajj supervisors at the KBIH. Maintain stamina, health, and unity because this pilgrimage journey lasts about 40 days,” said Taj Yasin.

According to data from the Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (formerly known as Kanwil Kemenag/Ministry of Hajj and Umrah), the total quota for Hajj pilgrims this year reaches 34,122 people. Departure operations are divided through two main gateways: the Solo Embarkation and the Yogyakarta Embarkation.

The Head of the Central Java Health Department, Yunita Dyah Kusminar, assured that all pilgrims have undergone strict health examinations. The main focus of the committee is to re-verify the results of the istitha’ah (fitness assessment) for the pilgrims’ physical and mental health.

Although batch 1 was declared safe, Yunita reported health dynamics in subsequent batches. In batch 2, two pilgrims had to be referred to Moewardi Hospital. Meanwhile, in batch 3, two pilgrims were asked to rest and one other is still under medical observation.

“Such conditions do not automatically cancel the departure. The medical team is on standby 24 hours to conduct special assessments to determine flight eligibility. The principle is to depart healthy and return healthy,” Yunita stressed.

Among the hundreds of pilgrims, there was a touching story from Maliyah, 75, a resident of Margasari, Tegal Regency. Despite having to use a wheelchair, a look of joy shone on her face after waiting 14 years for departure.

“I registered with my husband back then, but my husband passed away four years ago. Now I’m departing accompanied by my son-in-law. I was even hospitalised before this, but alhamdulillah, the current health analysis results are good and I’ve been permitted to go,” said Maliyah gratefully.

In line with that, Ahmad Risyanto, the Worship Supervisor for SOC Batch 3, gave appreciation for this year’s Hajj management. According to him, administrative services, distribution of pilgrims’ needs, and clarity of procedures at the embarkation point show significant improvements compared to previous years.

This release event was also attended by Deputy Chair of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives Abdul Wahid, Head of the Central Java Kemenag Regional Office Saiful Mujab, as well as local government officials and religious organisation figures.