First Departure to Arafah: Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Express Enthusiasm

Today, Monday, 25 May 2026, the peak Hajj operations, commonly known as the Armuzna phase (Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina), officially began. This was marked by the departure of 74,643 Indonesian pilgrims from Makkah to Arafah for Trip 1 between 07:00 and 11:00 Saudi Arabia Time.

Trip 2, comprising 68,486 pilgrims, will depart between 11:30 and 16:00 Saudi Arabia Time, followed by Trip 3 with 62,289 pilgrims departing between 16:30 and 20:00.

Siti Muarifah (50), a pilgrim from Tegal Regency, Central Java, in Kloter SOC 1, expressed her delight at finally departing for Arafah. She said she had been eagerly anticipating this moment and prepared everything well in advance.

“First, personal items such as medications, spare clothing, toiletries, and worship tools we’ll use there,” Siti said during an interview outside Hotel Luluat Albait in Makkah on Monday.

She also prepared prayers to recite at Arafah. “First and foremost for my children, family, and friends who visited to entrust their prayers for blessings,” she added.

She hopes to become a better person after officially attaining the status of hajj. “We aim for better behaviour and to be haji mabrur and mabruroh. We pray for blessings for ourselves and our families, and urge those yet to perform Hajj to register promptly,” Siti, who departed with her husband, said.

Similarly, Slamet Tashadi (65), another pilgrim from Tegal departing with his wife, said he had prepared prayers for his family and children. “I ask for health, safety, and blessings for all,” he said while pushing his wife’s wheelchair.