Final Phase of 2026 Hajj: Pilgrims Begin Return, Government Steps Up Preparation for 2027
JAKARTA — All Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who took Nafar Tsani have left their tents in Mina and returned to their respective hotels in Mecca on Saturday (30 May 2026). Thus, the peak phase of the 2026 Hajj in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) has officially ended on 13 Zulhijjah 1447 Hijriyah after all pilgrims had left Mina.
The government stated that this year’s Hajj operations ran more smoothly with service improvements, though areas for evaluation remain, including overcrowding in Mina, tent facilities, and health services ahead of repatriation.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, noted improved management quality evidenced by a drastic drop in Indonesian pilgrim deaths. Current data shows 134 fatalities, half of last year’s total.
“By the same date last year, 267 pilgrims had died, compared to around 130 this year,” Dahnil said on Saturday (30 May 2026).
Movement towards Muzdalifah and Mina proceeded smoothly, with the area cleared of pilgrims by 6.30 am local time.
Despite the positive trend, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is not complacent and will continue evaluations.
“We will continue to evaluate and improve, especially regarding pilgrim health management to further reduce mortality rates in the future,” he said.
Indonesian Hajj Service Personnel (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia are finalising the repatriation scheme for Indonesian pilgrims starting 1 June 2026. The return process will be divided into two waves. The first wave is scheduled to depart via Jeddah from 1 to 15 June 2026, while the second wave will depart via Madinah from 7 to 30 June 2026.
Inspector General of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) RI, Major General (Retired) Dendi Suryadi, said the repatriation follows a system based on the original departure schedule from Indonesia.
“The first batch departed from Indonesia on 22 April 2026. Ideally, they should be the first to return on 1 June,” Dendi said during an interview with the Hajj Media Centre team in Mina on Friday (29 May 2026).