Kemenhaj deploys special team to find Firdaus, Indonesian Hajj pilgrim missing in Mecca since 15 May

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Organisers (PPIH) moved quickly to investigate the disappearance of an Indonesian pilgrim in Mecca, reported missing since Friday 15 May. The missing pilgrim was identified by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) as Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan, a member of kloter 27 Jakarta Pondok Gede (JKG). ‘On behalf of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and all PPIH, we express profound condolences to his wife, family and the entire group,’ said Ichsan Marsha in Mecca on Wednesday 20 May.

Chronology data show that Firdaus Ahlan left his hotel alone on the morning of 15 May, just before Friday prayers. Investigators reviewed hotel CCTV footage showing him leaving the hotel area at around 09:04 local time, wearing a white T-shirt and a black sarong, without any identifying documents other than a haj bracelet. ‘He left the hotel by himself, without any identification other than the haj bracelet,’ Ichsan said.

At the time the incident occurred, the hotel corridor and lobby were quiet since most other group members had already departed for Masjid al-Haram to perform Friday prayers.

In response, PPIH formed several search teams drawn from the Jemaah Protection unit (Linjam) and others. The first team was deployed to comb the area around the hotel, the Haram area, and possible routes the missing person may have taken, while a second team conducted road sweeps from Mecca to Jeddah. ‘We are also conducting searches at hospitals in Mecca and beyond,’ Ichsan added.

PPIH has coordinated closely with Saudi police since reporting the loss the day after the incident and has broadened the search radius. The government has ensured that Firdaus’s wife, who remains in the Holy Land for the pilgrimage, receives specialized support to safeguard her health amid these difficult circumstances.

PPIH has urged other Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to report any sighting or information to the nearest post. ‘We also urge pilgrims not to travel alone and to look out for one another,’ Ichsan said.

Separately, the public is asked to verify information and refrain from sharing unverified photos or narratives that could affect the family’s well-being. ‘We call on all Indonesians to pray for Mr Firdaus Ahlan to be found safe and sound,’ Ichsan added.

Head of Protection for Pilgrims at PPIH Saudi Arabia 2026, Harun Arrasyid, disclosed that three Indonesian pilgrims were missing. The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, said that a number of pilgrims remain behind due to illness and other reasons. Endang Yunita Suryani, 41, from North Lampung who had been missing for three days was later identified as a hypnotism victim. PPIH remains committed to locating Idun Rohim Zen bin Rohim, another Indonesian pilgrim who is still missing. The search for the three missing Hajj pilgrims during the peak rites at Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina (Armina) continues. Armuzna operations chief Surnadi said that progress on peak Hajj preparations was 95% complete.

In addition, to strengthen crowd management governance, the Ministry of Hajj reminded pilgrims to maintain physical condition ahead of the Armuzna phase, and PPIH continues to provide wheelchair services coordinated by the Elders and Disabilities (Landis) team for pilgrims performing tawaf and sa’i. As of 29 April 2026, 122 flight groups (kloter) or 47,834 pilgrims had departed for the Holy Land. Officials say the situation of the victims is being monitored closely, with medical and logistical needs being met.