Indonesian Elderly Hajj Pilgrim Missing in Mecca Since Last Week, Not Yet Found

Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia is still searching for an Indonesian hajj pilgrim named Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, 72, who was reported missing in Mecca. ‘Our pilgrim is still in the process of being searched in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrim, Mr Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan, is part of Kloter JKG-27, Group One of KBIH Imam Bonjol,’ Juru Bicara Kementerian Haji dan Umrah Ichsan Marsha said in a video posted on the Ministry’s Instagram account on Thursday, 21 May. Ichsan said Firdaus did not return since Friday, 15 May. It was then reported via Kanal Kawal Haji on Saturday, 16 May. According to the latest information, he left the hotel without any identification. He was seen wearing a white T-shirt and a sarong. And now, various steps have been taken and are ongoing, from CCTV footage collection and information from other pilgrims who may have seen him. And also from hotel CCTV at 09:04 Saudi time, he left the hotel alone without any identification other than the hajj bracelet, wearing white clothes and a black sarong. The hotel lobby at that time was quiet as most pilgrims were getting ready to perform Friday prayers. Ichsan said that since the information was received, several teams have been deployed. Team one is moving from place to place, from one hotel to another, and around the Masjid al-Haram. Team two has also been deployed to sweep the streets to assist in the search, and the Linjam team has also been deployed from Madinah. He said the search continues to hospitals in Mecca and outside Mecca, and that they are coordinating intensively with Saudi police. “We have also filed a police report relating to our pilgrim, and are providing full assistance to his wife during the search process because we understand that the pilgrim is performing the Hajj with his wife,” he said. Ichsan also urged, particularly Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land, if they see or obtain information related to Firdaus’ whereabouts, to contact the nearest hajj officer. He also asked the public to stay calm and not spread unverified information, avoid sharing photos or narratives that are speculative or hoaxes. “Let us keep the atmosphere calm and allow the search to proceed effectively without adding to the burden or anxiety of the family.” “In the midst of the continuing effort, we also invite all Indonesians to pray that Mr Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan is found soon in good health, safety, and under Allah’s protection.”