Deputy Hajj Minister Urges Pilgrims to Prepare Stamina for Mina-Jamarat Route

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has urged Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to prepare their physical stamina ahead of the peak rituals in Mina, as they will need to walk long distances from tents to the Jamarat site for stoning the devil.

He explained that the farthest tent at Base 12 is approximately 3.5 kilometres from Jamarat, requiring pilgrims to cover a 7-kilometre round trip daily during their stay in Mina. “From the farthest tent at Base 12 to Jamarat is about 3.5 kilometres, so the round trip is 7 kilometres per day,” Dahnil said while inspecting tent facilities and the Jamarat route in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (23 May).

Technical calculations indicate the total distance covered by pilgrims during the Mina phase varies significantly depending on their chosen nafar option. Dahnil emphasised that the Mina phase involves significantly more physical movement compared to the standing at Arafat or overnight stay at Muzdalifah, where pilgrims mostly remain stationary for prayers. To address potential issues, the government has deployed operational and protection officers at five checkpoints along the Jamarat route, identifiable by brown uniforms and hats.

“Pilgrims using this route are advised not to panic and to move in groups. If assistance is needed, brown-uniformed officers are stationed along the way and easily contactable,” he stated. As a final preparation before the peak Hajj rituals, pilgrims are urged to rest fully, maintain a healthy diet, and increase prayers to ensure their health remains stable throughout the pilgrimage.