Completed! All First Wave Pilgrims Have Departed for Mecca
MEDINA, KOMPAS.com - The departure phase of the first wave of pilgrims from Medina to Mecca has been completed on Friday (May 15, 2026).
The last departure consisted of three flight groups (kloters) from UPG 21, KJT 20, and BTH 14.
These three groups carried a total of 1,278 pilgrims. They have departed from Medina and performed their miqat at the Dzulaulaifah Mosque (Bir Ali) to perform the obligatory Umrah.
The process of performing the ihram ritual at Bir Ali ran smoothly.
Hajj officials accompanied the pilgrims to ensure the completeness and perfection of their ihram clothing before the bus fleet began moving towards Mecca.
The Head of the Medina Work Area (Daker), Khalilurrahman, confirmed that all the pilgrimage transfer agendas on the last day were carried out without any significant obstacles.
“Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly. There were no major problems in the field. Medina is gradually starting to become empty of the first wave of regular pilgrims,” said Khalilurrahman while monitoring directly at Bir Ali, Friday (May 15, 2026).
Later, the pilgrims will be immediately facilitated and escorted to Mecca as soon as the doctor issues a recommendation that they are fit to travel.
Even though the intensity of the number of pilgrims decreased on the closing day, the service standards were still maintained at the highest level. The Head of the Special Sector (Seksus) Bir Ali, Divia Ardianto, ensured that all of his personnel remained on duty at full strength.
“We strive to ensure that elderly pilgrims can still see the atmosphere of Bir Ali directly and feel comfortable during the miqat process without having to walk too far,” said Divia.
Facing the challenge of hot weather, pilgrims are advised to be extra vigilant. Given that the temperature had reached 42 degrees Celsius in Medina, and it is expected to be much hotter in Mecca.
Because a series of more physically demanding worship activities still await, pilgrims are advised to take steps such as drinking before they feel thirsty. Make sure the body remains hydrated by regularly consuming drinking water.
Use protective equipment, including bringing an umbrella, mask, and a spray bottle of water when doing activities outdoors. Get plenty of rest to restore stamina in order to face the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
With the departure of the last three groups, the operational tasks of Daker Medina now officially transition to the next phase. The main focus of the officers will then be to finalize preparations to welcome the arrival of the second wave of pilgrims after the upcoming peak of the Hajj.
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