Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Begin Return to Indonesia Tomorrow

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian Hajj pilgrims began returning to Indonesia on Monday (1 June 2026) after completing the peak rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). During the repatriation process, the government ensured smooth movement of pilgrims from Mina to Mecca, while the DPR called for service quality to remain optimal until all return home.

The departure of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims opting for the nafar awal from Mina to Mecca proceeded smoothly on Friday (29 May 2026), or 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 H, with 137,565 pilgrims gradually relocated to their respective Mecca hotels.

Harun Arrasyid Usman, Coordinator of the Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina Operations Unit (Satop Armuzna), stated that the first batch, JKB 11 from Markaz 74, departed at 07:05 WAS.

‘The final nafar awal batch to depart was UPG 22 from Markaz 50 at 16:30 WAS,’ Harun said.

‘Today’s total nafar awal pilgrims amount to 137,565, representing 68 per cent,’ he added.

‘We confirm all nafar awal pilgrims have arrived at their respective hotels,’ he continued.

Wakil Satgas Mina Zaenal Muttaqin emphasised all departure processes must conclude before sunset to ensure pilgrims are recorded as nafar awal.

‘They must exit Mina before gurubusyamsi or sunset,’ Zaenal stated.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Service Officers (PPIH) reported approximately 20,000 pilgrims opting for the tanazul scheme, which skips overnight stays in Mina and facilitates return to Mecca hotels for rest.

To alleviate congestion during the stoning of the jamarat, the Saudi government divided the ritual into multiple time slots.

On 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims can choose between the morning session (05:00-10:30 WAS) or evening session (18:00-24:00 WAS). Those selecting nafar tsani are scheduled to perform the stoning on 13 Dhu al-Hijjah from 05:00 to 12:00 WAS.