Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Begin Movement to Arafat Today
On Monday, 25 May 2026 at 7:00 am Saudi Arabia Time, all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to move to Arafat. Alongside millions of guests of Allah from around the world, they will perform wuquf, the central ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Inspector General of the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), Dendi Suryadi, explained that the peak Hajj rituals on 1447 AH/2026 CE in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) are critical moments, especially for all Hajj officers, who must remain ready to serve Indonesian pilgrims.
According to Dendi, traffic congestion during the movement of pilgrims from Mecca to Arafat is the first concern, as millions converge on the same location simultaneously.
‘The movement of Indonesian pilgrims will take place on 8 Dhu al-Hijjah, Monday 25 May 2026 at 7:00 am Saudi Arabia Time. Pilgrims will move from hotels across Mecca to Arafat, which is a critical phase,’ he said after leading a readiness inspection for Arafat officers in Mecca on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
Managing pilgrim movement to tents and after wuquf is also a priority, especially with 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims, around 203,000 of whom are regular Hajj attendees.
Dendi also highlighted the high temperatures during the peak Hajj period. ‘This year, Saudi Arabia’s Meteorological Agency predicts temperatures could reach 47 degrees Celsius,’ he said.
Hajj operational services during wuquf in Arafat will be coordinated by the Arafat Task Force under the Armuzna Operations Unit. Airport regional officers (daker) have already moved to Arafat on Sunday, 24 May 2026 or 7 Dhu al-Hijjah.
Officers will ensure Arafat facilities are ready for Indonesian pilgrims. ‘When pilgrims arrive on 8 Dhu al-Hijjah or 25 May 2026, all personnel will be ready,’ he added.
Previously, Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, known as Gus Irfan, urged Indonesian Hajj officers to maintain top-quality service during the Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) phase. According to Gus Irfan, Armuzna is the peak Hajj phase and a key indicator of successful operational service.
‘The pinnacle of Hajj is Armuzna; if Armuzna proceeds as expected, 80% of the success is already secured,’ Gus Irfan stated.