Hajj Organisers Form Special Mina Task Force to Optimise Pilgrim Protection
The Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia has formed a Special Task Force (Timsus) in Mina to optimise protection services and guidance for prospective Hajj pilgrims, specifically focusing on the elderly and those who are unwell during the peak of the Hajj season.
Harun Arrasyid Usman, the Coordinator for the Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina Operations Unit (Satop Armuzna) and Pilgrim Protection for the PPIH in Saudi Arabia, explained that the team consists of experienced Pilgrim Protection personnel who have served at least once in previous Hajj operations.
“These colleagues were dispatched on the night of 8 Zulhijah and went directly to Mina without passing through Arafah. With this scheme, their energy is considered fresh to provide maximum assistance as soon as the pilgrims arrive,” said Harun after inspecting the movement routes from Mina to Jamarat on Sunday.
Harun detailed that the primary duties of the Mina Special Task Force include supervision, welcoming, and monitoring the movement of pilgrims arriving from Muzdalifah towards Jamrah Aqobah.
Regarding the mapping of the ‘maktab’ (camps) areas, Harun noted that most Indonesian pilgrims are occupying Zone 3 and Zone 5 near the Muaisim Tunnel. They are distributed across 61 camps, ranging from small units in the lower areas to larger units in the upper areas.
Meanwhile, regarding the ‘tanazul’ scheme—where pilgrims return directly to their hotels after the Jamrah Aqobah stoning ritual—plans are being made to station them in Zone 5. This plan is currently in the final formulation stage before a simultaneous announcement.
“For pilgrims staying in Mina tents, the Jamarat ritual is prioritised on the 3rd floor. We advise that after completing the stoning, pilgrims should not descend to the lower floors. Please ask the officers on-site for directions back to the tents, as the route will loop outwards and enter directly through the Muaisim Tunnel,” Harun added.
The round-trip distance from the Mina tents to Jamarat via the three Muaisim Tunnels is estimated to be approximately 4.5 kilometres. The PPIH hopes that with well-planned route orientation and the readiness of the Mina Special Task Force, the entire peak Hajj sequence will proceed safely, effectively, and efficiently.