Hajj Pilgrims from East Java Pass Away on Plane and Bus During Return Journey to Indonesia

The return of Hajj pilgrims from Flight Group (Kloter) 12, originating from Malang, East Java, has been marked by tragedy. Two pilgrims were reported to have passed away within hours of each other, one during the flight and another on a bus, on Thursday (4/6).

The tragedy began while the group was still in the air en route to Indonesia. Approximately 30 minutes before landing at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, a 70-year-old male pilgrim passed away on the aircraft. According to officials, the pilgrim, who had a history of heart disease, was found in a weakened state. Despite medical intervention, he could not be saved. A heart attack is suspected to be the cause of death.

Following the aircraft’s landing at Juanda International Airport, about 1.5 hours after the first incident, another tragedy occurred. A 58-year-old female pilgrim from Malang passed away while travelling by bus from Juanda Airport to the Haji Dormitory (AHES).

Rosidi Roslan, Head of Health for the Surabaya Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) and Head of the Health Quarantine Office (BKK), confirmed the incidents, noting that initial indications suggest both deaths were caused by heart attacks.

The two deceased pilgrims from Malang have been taken to the East Java Haji Regional Hospital (RSUD Haji) before being handed over to their respective families. Rosidi expressed deep condolences regarding the loss.

Furthermore, Rosidi revealed that the total number of Hajj pilgrims from the Surabaya embarkation who have passed away by the fourth day of the return phase has reached 49. He noted that the majority of deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia due to complications from pre-existing conditions, followed by the recent incidents on the plane and bus.

“As of Thursday, the fourth day, there have been several groups, and 49 pilgrims have passed away. One died on the plane, one died on the bus during the journey to AHES, and 47 died in Saudi Arabia,” Rosidi stated.

He explained that pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and heart disease were the most common causes, often exacerbated by accumulated exhaustion. The physical rigours of the Hajj pilgrimage, combined with drastic climate changes, are considered primary triggers for the decline in pilgrims’ physical resilience.

While health requirements (istithaah) are strictly assessed at the regency level before departure, Rosidi noted that high-risk pilgrims continue to make up a significant portion of the arrivals at the Sukolilo Hajj Dormitory in Surabaya. He suggested that the long waiting periods and physical fatigue during travel can trigger underlying illnesses that were not apparent during initial medical screenings.

Medical records indicate that the critical period for physical exhaustion, leading to deaths in Saudi Arabia, typically occurs after the peak of the Armuzna (Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina) rituals. This risk increases significantly for elderly pilgrims with comorbidities. Rosidi advised pilgrims over the age of 65 with underlying conditions to remain extra vigilant, as the inability to adapt to extreme weather and forced physical exertion can be fatal.