Indonesian Pilgrims Head to Arafah Today, Wuquf Ritual Tomorrow

ARAFAH, KOMPAS.com - Hundreds of thousands of Indonesian pilgrims began moving to Arafah Plain in phases on Monday (25 May 2026).

Indonesian pilgrims will perform the core Hajj ritual, wuquf, at Arafah Plain on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH or Tuesday (26 May 2026).

Initial arrivals included SOC kloter 75, KJT kloter 34, and BDJ kloter 18, with the first batches arriving from 8:00 AM Saudi time.

Kompas.com observed that arriving pilgrims proceeded directly to their tents, with cluster assignments and names clearly displayed at the front of each tent.

Some pilgrims received ice cream and drinking water before entering their tents.

Hannah’s eyes reddened and welled up as she expressed gratitude after 15 years of waiting to worship in the Holy Land.

The anticipated wuquf at Arafah is now just hours away.

However, amidst her emotions, she felt sadness as her husband had passed away, preventing them from fulfilling their shared dream of performing Hajj together.

“My husband has passed away,” she recalled with tears in her eyes.

KBIHU Pilgrimage Guidance officer Khairunnor Juhrani praised the facilities provided to pilgrims, noting that they were warmly welcomed by Arafah officials.

Abdul Basir, Head of the Arafah Task Force (Kasatgas), stated that the Indonesian Hajj area in Arafah is divided into 10 ad-hoc sectors. Each sector averages six markaz, with each markaz comprising approximately 17 tents.

“There are over a thousand tents in total. Currently, six officials are assigned per markaz, with additional support from Makkah’s operational unit,” Basir explained.

Basir added that facilities in Arafah have been improved to ensure pilgrims’ comfort during this year’s wuquf. For elderly and disabled pilgrims, 25 golf carts have been provided.

“If tents are located far away, elderly and disabled pilgrims will be transported via golf cart,” he added.