Hajj Services Improve for 2026, Padang Debarkation Officers Receive Awards

The return of Hajj pilgrims from Cluster 1 of the Padang Debarkation for the year 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi proceeded smoothly and was filled with emotion. Beyond bringing happiness to families, this moment served as an achievement record for officers who received awards for their extraordinary dedication while accompanying pilgrims in the Holy Land. A total of 390 pilgrims and officers from Cluster 1 landed at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) on Wednesday (3/6) at 19.17 WIB. Upon arrival, the pilgrims were immediately transported using 10 buses to the Padang Hajj Dormitory for the official welcoming ceremony. The Head of the West Sumatra Regional Office for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, M. Rifki, gave high appreciation for the performance of the cluster officers, Group Leaders (Karu), and Group Supervisors (Karom). According to him, the pilgrims’ satisfaction with this year’s service improvement was inseparable from the vital role of the officers on the ground. M. Rifki stressed that the award presented was not merely ceremonial, but a form of respect for the officers’ service, who worked a full 24 hours. The cluster officers, consisting of four core personnel supported by two Regional Hajj Officers (PHD) and one KBIHU officer, bore great responsibility in overseeing hundreds of pilgrims. ‘They worked around the clock, accompanying the pilgrims day and night. In many instances, they prioritised the interests of the pilgrims over their own, such as assisting elderly and sick pilgrims,’ said Rifki at the Main Hall of the Padang Hajj Dormitory. He added that the success of the Hajj operation is measured not only by operational smoothness but also by the presence of officers capable of being guides and responsive servants to the pilgrims’ needs. The welcoming ceremony featured a symbolic procession of handing over the Red and White flag from the Head of Cluster 1, Dian Khairaty, to the Regional Secretary of West Sumatra Province, Arry Yuswandi. The flag was then passed on to the Government and People’s Welfare Assistant of the Padang City Secretariat, Tarmizi Ismail, signifying the pilgrims’ return to the local government’s care. For the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj season, the Padang Embarkation dispatched a total of 5,374 pilgrims and officers. This composition includes 3,991 pilgrims from West Sumatra, 1,327 pilgrims from Bengkulu, and 56 cluster officers assisting both provinces. Synergy between health officers, local governments, and other supporting agencies is expected to continue until all clusters of the Padang Debarkation have returned home safely and comfortably.