Hajj Pilgrim from Kertajati Embarkation Point Dies Upon Arrival in Madinah
An Indonesian Hajj pilgrim from the Kertajati embarkation point, cluster KJT-14, with the initials SMP (73), passed away upon arrival at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
The pilgrim had experienced a deterioration in health while at the airport area. It is known that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims must undertake a long journey of around nine hours from the homeland to Saudi Arabia, amidst the majority of pilgrims being elderly.
“The pilgrim with initials SMP, aged 73, from Embarkation Kertajati KJT-14, briefly lost consciousness during the immigration process at the airport. Once his condition was known to have deteriorated, officers immediately provided assistance and took the pilgrim to the airport clinic,” said the Head of the Airport Area Work Unit, Abdul Basir, in his statement as reported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday, 4 May 2026.
He explained that the pilgrim experienced a loss of consciousness during the immigration process at the airport. Officers then promptly carried out initial treatment and referred the pilgrim to the airport clinic for medical examination.
After receiving treatment at the airport clinic, the pilgrim was then referred to Mouwasat Hospital in Madinah for further care. However, the pilgrim was declared deceased after undergoing the referral and medical treatment process.
“From the airport clinic, the pilgrim was then referred to Mouwasat Hospital in Madinah for further handling. However, based on the information we received, the pilgrim was subsequently declared deceased,” he stated.
Abdul Basir conveyed that based on initial data, no specific records regarding the pilgrim’s medical history were found. In terms of departure documents, the late pilgrim had also fulfilled the health istitha’ah requirements and was deemed eligible to perform Hajj this year.
“Based on the available data, no specific records or particular medical history were found. In terms of istitha’ah status, the late pilgrim fell into the category of meeting the requirements to depart for Hajj this year,” he said.
He added that this situation indicates that health services at arrival points must still be carried out in a state of readiness and responsiveness. Because, even though pilgrims have been declared to meet departure requirements, physical conditions can change at any time, especially after a long flight.
“Even though pilgrims have met the istitha’ah requirements, conditions in the field must continue to be monitored. Long journeys, fatigue, and the arrival process can affect pilgrims’ physical conditions. Therefore, officers must always be ready to provide quick handling,” said Abdul Basir.