Health Support Becomes a New Need for Special Hajj Pilgrims
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TANGERANG – Extreme weather and high levels of physical activity during the Hajj season are making health support for pilgrims an increasing concern. Many pilgrims, especially the elderly, face the risk of fatigue and respiratory problems while performing the rituals in the Holy Land.
This situation has prompted several special Hajj organisers to strengthen their health services and religious guidance as part of efforts to improve pilgrim comfort. One such organiser is PT Asia Utama Wisata (Asiatour), which is providing health support for its special Hajj pilgrims departing in 2026 from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, on Friday, 15 May 2026.
In this departure of two buses of pilgrims, Asiatour is including religious guides and a pulmonologist to accompany the pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This step is being taken to help pilgrims cope with the health challenges caused by the hot weather and the intensity of the religious activities.
The head of PT Asia Utama Wisata, Hj. Nurbethi Lubis, said that medical support is one of the important aspects of Hajj services, especially for elderly pilgrims who need more attention during their pilgrimage.
“The involvement of a pulmonologist in this group aims to anticipate the health challenges in the Holy Land, especially related to the physical condition and weather for elderly pilgrims,” said Nurbethi in a statement.
In addition to health services, pilgrims also receive technical travel briefings and religious guidance before departure. According to her, the pilgrims’ preparedness is an important factor to ensure that the pilgrimage can be carried out more safely and smoothly.
The government has set the Hajj quota for Indonesia this year at 221,000 pilgrims, with the special Hajj quota being around 17,680 pilgrims. Amid these quota limitations, the quality of service is considered to be one of the factors that prospective pilgrims are paying increasing attention to when choosing a Hajj travel organiser.