Hajj peak phase concludes as Indonesian pilgrims' return journey begins on June 1

Makkah - The peak phase of the Hajj pilgrimage in the Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) areas is nearly complete. Indonesian Hajj Service Personnel (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia are finalising arrangements to repatriate Indonesian pilgrims from June 1, 2026. The repatriation process will be conducted in two waves, with the first batch scheduled to depart via Jeddah between June 1 and 15, 2026. Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Ministry Inspector General Dendi Suryadi, a retired Army Major General, stated that the repatriation follows a sequential system based on the original departure schedule from Indonesia. ‘The first kloter departed Indonesia on April 22, 2026. Ideally, they should be the first group to return on June 1,’ Dendi said during an interview with the Hajj Media Centre team in Mina on Friday, May 29, 2026. He added that this schedule forms the foundation for logistical planning, including hotel arrangements, bus fleets to the airport, and flight slots. ‘Based on this schedule, kloters will prepare accordingly, including pilgrims who have not yet performed the farewell tawaf and those in hospital,’ he explained. During the initial repatriation phase, six flight groups (kloters) are scheduled to return to Indonesia first. Special attention is also being given to the rule prohibiting Zamzam water in luggage to prevent airport delays. ‘Luggage must not be overpacked. Proper packing is essential to avoid having to unpack,’ he stressed. Overall, Dendi assessed this year’s Hajj operations have run smoothly, despite minor dynamics and small-scale challenges. ‘There will inevitably be shortcomings, but the priority is to evaluate and improve for the future,’ he concluded.