Hajj Operations Conclude, 60 Pilgrims Still Hospitalised in Saudi Arabia

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf officially closed the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage operations as the final flight group landed at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday afternoon, 1 July 2026. Despite the conclusion of the 1147 Hijriah operational period, dozens of pilgrims remain unable to return to Indonesia due to illness. “Currently, there are still 60 pilgrims undergoing treatment in hospitals in Saudi Arabia,” Irfan Yusuf stated in a written release on Wednesday. The Gerindra Party politician assured that the government would not cease services for the pilgrims, particularly those still hospitalised. He claimed they would be accompanied by Hajj officers until their condition improves and they are declared fit to fly home. Throughout this year’s Hajj operations, the government dispatched 527 flight groups carrying 202,536 regular pilgrims from 16 embarkation points across Indonesia. Among these pilgrims, 44,247 were elderly and 170,700 had high-risk health conditions. Meanwhile, 367 pilgrims and one officer were reported to have died in Saudi Arabia. The insurance claim process for the deceased pilgrims, Irfan noted, is being carried out in accordance with regulations. In addition to those with pre-existing health conditions, there were 370 pilgrims with special needs and 275 who used wheelchairs. Irfan stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has homework to evaluate the operational aspects, especially health screenings and services in Mina. The ministry considers this year’s Hajj services to have been very challenging due to the diversity of the pilgrims’ conditions. “All these notes will be the focus of evaluation so that future Hajj operations become more professional, safe, comfortable, and oriented towards the needs of the pilgrims,” Irfan said.