Indonesian Elderly Hajj Pilgrim Missing in Mecca Found Dead

Based on field team reports and coordination with Saudi authorities, Mr Muhammad Firdaus was found to have died, said Moh Hasan Afandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, quoted by Antara on Friday, 22 May 2026. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia expressed deep condolences over the death of Mr Firdaus. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. We, the entire Indonesian Hajj Affairs delegation (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, express our deep condolences over the passing of the late, and may Allah the Almighty shower His mercy and forgiveness upon him, and grant patience to the family left behind,” Hasan said. Hasan thanked the family of the deceased, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah, Saudi authorities, the Saudi hospital, the Hajj officers who conducted the search, and all Indonesians who prayed during the search. He said that the government through the PPIH in Saudi Arabia will prepare a badal haji to be performed by Hajj officers for the deceased. “The government through PPIH Saudi Arabia will arrange a badal haji to be performed by Hajj officers for the deceased,” Hasan said. Hasan also urged all pilgrims and officers to increase mutual care for one another, especially for the elderly, the disabled, women, and pilgrims with certain health conditions. He noted that every pilgrim and officer should be more attentive if they see a pilgrim walking alone, looking confused, fatigued, or separated from the group. “If you see a pilgrim walking alone, appearing lost, fatigued, or separated from the group, greet them and ask after their condition. If the pilgrim does not know the direction or needs assistance, accompany them to the nearest officer, service post, or report to the sector and batch officers,” Hasan said. Hasan reminded not to allow pilgrims to walk alone without accompaniment, especially those requiring more attention. Interpersonal care is vital to reduce the risk of pilgrims getting lost or separated from their group. “Do not allow pilgrims to walk alone without accompaniment. The care of each mother and father is very important to reduce the likelihood of pilgrims becoming lost or separated from their group,” Hasan said. The Ministry of Hajj also urged pilgrims needing assistance not to hesitate to convey their conditions and needs to the officers. Hasan emphasised that Indonesian Hajj officers are present to accompany, serve, and protect pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land. “For pilgrims who need assistance, do not hesitate to report to the officers. Indonesian Hajj officers are present to accompany, serve, and protect pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land,” he concluded.