First Batch of Soppeng Pilgrims Arrive at Makassar Debarkation

Makassar - A total of 391 Hajj pilgrims from Soppeng Regency, part of the first group (Kloter 1) of the Makassar Debarkation, have arrived in the country via Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The pilgrims were received by the Chairman of the Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) of the Makassar Debarkation, Ikbal Ismail, before being handed over to the Vice Regent of Soppeng, Selle KS Dalle.

Speaking in Makassar on Tuesday, Ikbal Ismail expressed gratitude for the safe return of the pilgrims and commended the officials who accompanied them from departure to return. Representing the Makassar Embarkation-Debarkation PPIH, he thanked the government and all parties involved for the successful execution of this year’s Hajj operations. Ikbal Ismail, who also serves as the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for South Sulawesi, noted that the number of pilgrims departing and returning remained consistent at 391, landing in Indonesia on Monday at 22:31 WITA.

He stated that the 2024 Hajj administration proceeded smoothly, earning appreciation from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Supervisory Team, which monitored the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. He explained that the Makassar Embarkation originally planned to send 16,728 prospective pilgrims and officials; however, 22 individuals could not depart due to various reasons, including illness, pregnancy, death, and deferred departures.

Representing the Governor of South Sulawesi, Assistant I of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, H. Muh. Ishaq Iskandar, reminded the pilgrims to maintain the spiritual integrity of their Hajj pilgrimage upon returning home. He emphasised that the title of ‘Hajji’ is not merely a label but a moral responsibility to serve as role models in society. He also praised the hard work of the Makassar Embarkation PPIH, health officials, security personnel, and all related agencies for providing maximum service to the pilgrims.

The Vice Regent of Soppeng, Selle KS Dalle, expressed his gratitude for the return of the pilgrims from Soppeng Regency, who constitute the majority of the first group. He expressed hope that the pilgrims would bring values of goodness to their communities. The 391 pilgrims in the first group of the Makassar Debarkation consist of 384 individuals from Soppeng Regency, one from Makassar City, and six group officials, comprising 104 men and 287 women.