First Wave of Indonesian Pilgrims Depart from Medina

All Indonesian regular pilgrims in the first wave have left Medina. They have completed the service phase for the first wave of regular pilgrims after the last three groups departed for Mecca on Friday morning, May 15, 2026.

The last three groups came from Embarkasi UPG 21, KJT 20, and BTH 14, totaling approximately 1,278 pilgrims. Before heading to Mecca, the pilgrims stopped at Bir Ali to perform the ihram ritual and perform the sunnah prayer.

The Head of the Medina Sector of the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH), Khalilurrahman, said that the departure process for pilgrims on the last day went smoothly. “Today, Medina is officially empty of pilgrims from the first wave,” said Khalilurrahman in an official statement on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Since morning, Khalilurrahman has monitored the departure of the BTH 14 group from the hotel to Bir Ali. In the miqat area, he also directly reviewed the departure process of pilgrims to Mecca.

According to Khalilurrahman, pilgrims who are still being treated in hospitals or the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic will be sent to Mecca after being declared fit by doctors. He said that health workers continue to accompany sick pilgrims.

The Head of the Bir Ali Sector of PPIH, Divia Ardianto, said that officers remain on standby until the departure of the last group. According to him, services for elderly and disabled pilgrims are a priority during the miqat process in Bir Ali.

Officers provide assistance and golf carts for pilgrims who have difficulty walking to the bus. “We want elderly pilgrims to remain comfortable during the miqat process without having to walk far,” said Divia.

The hot weather in Medina is also a concern for hajj officers. In the last few days, the temperature in the city has reached 42 degrees Celsius and is expected to be higher in Mecca during the peak of the hajj pilgrimage.

Officers advise pilgrims to drink plenty of water, use umbrellas and masks when outdoors, and reduce non-essential activities. Pilgrims are also asked to get enough rest before the peak phase of worship in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

After the first wave operations in Medina are completed, some PPIH officers from the Medina Sector will move to Mecca to strengthen services during the peak hajj phase. Medina will then receive the arrival of the second wave of pilgrims after the series of worship in Armuzna is completed.