Indonesian Hajj Pilgrim Missing, Found Dead

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the Indonesian hajj pilgrim who had previously been reported missing in Saudi Arabia has been found dead. The ministry conveyed deep condolences over the death of Muhammad Firdaus, a 72-year-old Indonesian hajj pilgrim from Kloter JKG-27. Mohammad Hasan Afandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, said Firdaus was found deceased after being searched by Saudi authorities and a field team from Indonesia. “Innalillahi wa inna illaihi raji’un. We, the entire PPIH Arab Saudi, extend our deepest condolences on the death of the deceased. May Allah Almighty continually shower His mercy and forgiveness upon him, and grant patience to the family left behind,” Hasan said in a statement in Mecca on Friday, 22 May 2026, quoted from official statements. Hasan thanked the family of the deceased, KJRI Jeddah, Saudi authorities, the Saudi hospitals, the hajj officers who conducted the search, and all Indonesians who prayed during the search process. He also urged all pilgrims and officers to increase mutual care for each other, particularly for elderly pilgrims, those with disabilities, women, and pilgrims with certain health conditions. He asked that every pilgrim and officer be more responsive if they see a pilgrim walking alone, looking confused, exhausted, or separated from the group. “If you see a pilgrim walking alone, looking confused, exhausted, or separated from the group, greet them and ask about their condition. If the pilgrim does not know the direction or needs help, accompany them to the nearest officer, service post, or report to the sector and group officer,” Hasan said. Hasan reminded not to allow pilgrims to walk alone without accompaniment, especially those who require more attention. “Do not let pilgrims walk alone without accompaniment. Your care is very important to reduce the risk of pilgrims getting lost or separated from their group,” he added. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urges pilgrims needing help not to hesitate to communicate their condition and needs to the officers. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, previously said Firdaus had not returned since Friday, 15 May 2026. The agency received the missing report via the Haji Kawal Canal a day later, Saturday, 16 May 2026. According to the latest information, Ichsan said Firdaus left the lodging place without carrying identification. He was wearing a white T-shirt and a sarong at the time. The government also collected CCTV footage and information from other pilgrims. “And also from the hotel CCTV at 09:04 Saudi time, the subject left the hotel alone without carrying any identification except for the hajj bracelet, in white clothing and a black sarong,” Ichsan said.