Deputy Hajj Minister Intervenes to Ensure Hajj Guidance Groups Responsible for Pilgrims' Accident at Jabal Magnet Are Penalised

JAKARTA - The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj), Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU) which took pilgrims on a city tour to Jabal Magnet, resulting in an accident, will face strict penalties. The two KBIHU involved are KBIHU Nurul Haramain Probolinggo and KBIHU Al Azhar Jakarta. “We will certainly take firm action against both of these KBIHU,” Dahnil said in a video statement on the Ministry of Hajj’s YouTube channel on Thursday (30 April 2026). He also noted that the city tour leading to the accident was conducted by KBIHU Nurul Haramain and KBIHU Al Azhar without permission or notification. Dahnil said this incident serves as a reminder to all KBIHU accompanying pilgrims in the Holy Land. “First, we ask all KBIHU serving and coordinating pilgrims in the Holy Land to always coordinate and comply with all directions and rules set by the Saudi Hajj Mission (PPIH) or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” he stated. “We warn all KBIHU that do not obey the established rules,” he added. “Therefore, KBIHU that do not follow the rules and take actions detrimental to pilgrims will have their licences revoked,” he emphasised. The Head of Public Relations for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Moh. Hasan Afandi, said the accident occurred on 28 April 2026 at 10:30 WIB. “Bus SUB-2, which was travelling, collided with the side of bus JKS-1,” Hasan said. Regarding the incident, Hasan reported that 10 pilgrims were injured: seven from JKS-1, two from SUB-2, and one administrator from KBIHU Nurul Haramain. One injured pilgrim from SUB-2, named Sri Sugihartini, aged 60, required treatment at Al Hayat Hospital in Madinah.