Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims' Repatriation Begins 1 June
The Hajj Service Agency (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia has begun preparing the repatriation scheme for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, set to commence on 1 June 2026, as the peak rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) draw to a close.
Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Ministry Inspector General Dendi Suryadi explained that repatriation will follow the sequence of flight groups (kloter) that departed from Indonesia, with earlier arrivals in Saudi Arabia returning first. ‘The first kloter from Indonesia departed on 22 April 2026. Ideally, they will be the first to return on 1 June,’ Dendi told the Hajj Media Centre (MCH) team in Mina, Mecca, on Friday (29 May) evening Saudi time.
He added that the repatriation schedule will guide logistical planning, including flight slots, bus movements to airports, and transit hotel readiness. Although the schedule is set, minor deviations are possible but expected not to exceed 20% of the original plan. ‘This schedule allows kloters and pilgrims, including those yet to perform the farewell tawaf or those hospitalised, to prepare accordingly,’ he said.
Dendi urged pilgrims to begin packing early, ensuring luggage complies with airline weight limits and is securely packed to avoid unpacking. He also reminded them to strictly adhere to rules prohibiting Zamzam water in checked baggage for smooth airport boarding.
Meanwhile, PPIH is focusing on serving pilgrims opting for nafar tsani (second departure), who will return to Mecca hotels after completing the stoning ritual in Mina.
Technically, the first repatriation wave will depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah between 1-15 June 2026, while the second wave will leave from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina from 7-30 June 2026.
Additionally, 132,568 pilgrims who chose nafar awal (first departure) began moving from Mina tents to Mecca on 29 May (12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 H), using the days of Tashriq for increased takbir, tahlil, tahmid, and prayers to complete the fifth pillar of Islam.
The Hajj rituals for Brebes, Central Java, pilgrims in Kloter SOC 08 Solo have concluded. Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo, DIY, is ready to receive this year’s first pilgrims. A Hajj pilgrim from Lombok, NTB, reportedly died during rites in Saudi Arabia. A Padang pilgrim, Mariatun Buyung Sutan (51), ex-Kloter 05, returned home after two months of treatment in Saudi Arabia. The repatriation phase for Group 28 from Madinah’s work area has ended, marked by the departure of Kertajati Debarkation Group 28. Sukabumi City’s 276 Hajj pilgrims all returned safely. Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar confirmed flight schedules for Hajj pilgrims are now running smoothly.