First Wave of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims' Return Concludes, 95,178 Flown Home
OPERATIONAL implementation of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj pilgrimage has entered its 56th day, with the repatriation of pilgrims continuing in stages. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has confirmed that the entire return process for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is proceeding safely, smoothly, and under control.
Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaf stated that as of Monday (15 June), 245 flight groups (kloter) had departed from Saudi Arabia via King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. These groups comprised 95,178 pilgrims and 977 officials, bringing the total number of pilgrims and staff flown back to Indonesia to 96,155 people.
“As of today, the repatriation process for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is proceeding according to plan. All services continue to be optimised so that pilgrims can return to the homeland safely and comfortably,” Maria said.
Of that total, 233 flight groups have arrived in Indonesia carrying 90,709 pilgrims and 929 officials, totalling 91,638 people. Meanwhile, the movement of Wave II pilgrims from Mecca to Madinah is still ongoing. To date, 139 flight groups consisting of 53,338 pilgrims and 556 officials have been dispatched to the Prophet’s City, totalling 53,894 people.
For special Hajj pilgrims, the Ministry recorded that 15,802 people have returned to Indonesia, comprising 15,066 pilgrims and 736 officials. Maria explained that the repatriation process is now entering a critical phase. Monday (15 June) marked the final day of departure for Wave I pilgrims from hotels in Mecca to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. The last flight of Wave I pilgrims to Indonesia is scheduled for the early hours of Tuesday (16 June) at 01:45 Saudi Arabian time.
“Starting tomorrow, repatriation operations will focus entirely on Wave II pilgrims who are already in Madinah. Their return will be served via Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah to various embarkation points in Indonesia,” she clarified.
The Ministry urged pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia to maintain their health ahead of their return. Pilgrims were advised to get adequate rest, consume nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and avoid activities that could cause fatigue. In addition to maintaining personal health, pilgrims were also encouraged to preserve the spirit of togetherness and care during the return process, especially towards elderly pilgrims and those with special needs.
“The values of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and brotherhood that have grown during the Hajj pilgrimage should be maintained until returning to the homeland. Caring for others is an important part of achieving a mabrur Hajj,” she stated.
The Ministry also reminded all pilgrims not to carry Zamzam water in either checked luggage or aircraft cabins. The distribution of Zamzam water will be carried out in Indonesia according to established mechanisms. “Compliance with this provision greatly assists the smoothness of aviation security checks, speeds up baggage handling, and avoids delays in the departure process,” Maria stressed.
Furthermore, Maria emphasised that the values of the Hajj pilgrimage must continue to be manifested in daily life after returning to the homeland. According to her, a mabrur Hajj is reflected through good character, social concern, and positive contributions to society. “Through the spirit of a Successful Civilisation and Civility, we hope that the values of Hajj can continue to live in the daily lives of the pilgrims, bringing broad benefits to others, strengthening unity, and spreading goodness within society,” she concluded.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah hopes that the entire operational series of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj can proceed smoothly until the final flight group, so that all pilgrims return to Indonesia in good health, safely, and attain the status of haji mabrur.