Indonesian Hajj pilgrim missing since 15 May found dead; Ministry prepares Badal Hajj

After an intensive search, Mohamad Firdaus Akhlan (72), an Indonesian hajj pilgrim from Jakarta-Pondok Gede Embarkation (JKG 27) who had been reported missing since 15 May 2026 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was found dead. The pilgrim, part of Embarkation Jakarta-Pondok Gede (JKG 27), was discovered deceased. The Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), Moh. Hasan Afandi, expressed deep condolences on behalf of all members of the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) Arab Saudi to the family of the deceased. ‘Innalillahi wa inna illaihi roji’un. We, the entire PPIH Arab Saudi, extend our deepest condolences on his passing,’ Hasan said on Friday (22/5). Hasan also thanked all parties involved in the search, from the field team to local authorities.

‘TMay Allah Almighty bless and forgive the deceased and grant patience to the family,’ he added. We express gratitude to the family, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, the Saudi authorities, the hospital staff in Saudi Arabia, the Hajj officers who carried out the search, and all Indonesians who prayed during the search process,’ he stated.

Kemenhaj confirmed that the PPIH in Saudi Arabia has prepared a badal haji programme to be carried out by designated Hajj officers.

Firdaus was reported missing after leaving his hotel in Sector 9 of Mecca on Friday morning, 15 May. The family said Firdaus left without identification or communication devices. PPIH scoured from one place to another, from hotel to hotel, and around the Masjid al-Haram. In addition, teams were deployed to search the streets and from Madinah, continuing the search up to hospitals in Mecca.

In light of this incident, Kemenhaj issued a call to all pilgrims to increase mutual care and attention. Hasan urged that no pilgrim, particularly elders, travel alone without accompaniment. ‘We call on all pilgrims and staff to be mindful and to check on fellow pilgrims. If you see someone who is walking alone, appears bewildered, exhausted, or separated from the group, approach them and ask after their condition,’ Hasan said. PPIH Arab Saudi also asked Indonesian pilgrims to report to sector officers, kloter officers, or haj service posts if they find a pilgrim who is lost or in need of assistance. ‘Do not let pilgrims walk alone without accompaniment, especially the elderly, disabled, women, and those with health conditions,’ he stressed.

Hasan assured that all Indonesian hajj officers are on standby 24 hours to serve the pilgrims. ‘They are here to accompany, serve, and protect the pilgrims while on the Holy Land,’ he said. (Z-4)

BPJS Kesehatan reminded prospective pilgrims to ensure their National Health Insurance (JKN) membership is active before departure.

On 9 Zulhijjah (Tuesday 26 May 2026), pilgrims will perform wuquf in Arafah before moving to Muzdalifah and Mina in the late afternoon and evening. Pilgrims are advised to avoid actions that can reduce the reward during wuquf in Arafah.

Kemenhaj has set up the Armuzna Operational Task Force for the peak of Hajj 2026. Pilgrims are asked to follow the schedule from 25 May to avoid crowds in Arafah-Mina. During Tawaf at the Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims are urged not to force themselves to kiss the Hajar Aswad.

Kemenhaj is tightening the arrangement of tents in Arafah ahead of the peak to ensure all Hajj pilgrims receive fair, orderly, and equal services. The Hajj Supervisory Team and the DPR RI Commission VIII will continue to closely monitor the technical arrangements for tent placement and facilities at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

A total of 71,262 pilgrims chose to pay through the ADAHI programme in Saudi Arabia, 26,901 pilgrims performed dam in Indonesia, while 2,105 pilgrims performed dam by fasting.