Hajj Organisers Form Special Team to Secure Crucial Peak Phase in Mina
The Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia has formed a Special Team (Timsus) in Mina to optimise protection and guidance services for the 2026 Hajj pilgrims, particularly for elderly and high-risk groups during the upcoming peak phase.
Harun Arrasyid Usman, Coordinator of the Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) Operations Unit and Pilgrim Protection for PPIH Saudi Arabia, explained that the personnel in this team are experienced Pilgrim Protection officers. All members have a track record of having served at least once in previous Hajj operations.
“This team was dispatched on the night of 8 Zulhijah and headed directly to Mina without passing through Arafah. With this scheme, their strength is assessed to be fresh to provide maximum assistance as soon as the prospective pilgrims arrive,” said Harun following a route orientation in Mina on Sunday.
The primary duties of the Mina Special Team include supervision, welcoming, and monitoring the movement of pilgrims arriving from Muzdalifah towards Jamrah Aqobah. Additionally, the team is deployed to welcome pilgrims using the ‘murur’ (passing through) scheme from Arafah.
The arrival phase in Mina is considered a critical period due to the potential for high density and physical exhaustion among pilgrims. Regarding the mapping of the ‘maktab’ (tents) area, Harun noted that most Indonesian pilgrims occupy Zone 3 and Zone 5 near the Muaisim Tunnel. This area is divided into 61 bases, ranging from small units in the lower area to large units in the upper area.
For the ‘tanazul’ scheme—where pilgrims return directly to their hotels after the Jamrah Aqobah ritual—they are planned to be placed in Zone 5. The technical implementation is currently in the final formulation stage before being announced officially.
To ensure the smooth and safe movement of the masses, Harun issued an important advisory for pilgrims staying in Mina tents not to change floors while performing the stoning ritual. “For prospective pilgrims staying in Mina tents, the Jamarat process is prioritised on the 3rd floor. We advise that after completing the stoning, do not descend to the lower floors. Ask the officers on-site for directions back to your tent, as the route will loop outwards and enter directly through the Muaisim Tunnel,” Harun stated.
The round-trip distance from the Mina tents to the Jamarat via the three Muaisim Tunnels is estimated to be approximately 4.5 kilometres. Through thorough route orientation and the readiness of the Mina Special Team, the PPIH hopes the entire peak Hajj sequence will proceed safely, effectively, and efficiently.