Kolaka Regency charters six aircraft to transport 431 prospective hajj pilgrims to Makassar embarkation point

The Kolaka Regency government, Southeast Sulawesi, has chartered six Wings Air aircraft to facilitate the departure of 431 prospective hajj pilgrims for 2026 from the area to the Makassar embarkation point in South Sulawesi.

Head of the Public Welfare Division of the Kolaka Regional Secretariat, Syaifuddin Mustaming, in Kolaka on Wednesday, stated that this step represents the local government’s commitment to providing comfort and ease for pilgrims during the departure and return processes.

“The regional government is financing the charter of six aircraft for the pilgrims’ round-trip from Kolaka to Makassar and back. The total budget prepared is approximately Rp2.7 billion,” said Syaifuddin.

Syaifuddin explained that all pilgrims from Kolaka will depart via Sangia Ni Bandera Airport in Tanggetada Subdistrict, Kolaka Regency.

“We are also covering the fast-track fees. With this service, pilgrims will be picked up directly by Damri buses from the apron (aircraft parking area) to the Hajj Hostel, bypassing the airport terminal. The same will apply upon their return,” he stated.

He noted that the Rp2.7 billion budget is the local government’s attention to fulfilling the mandate of the Hajj Worship Implementation Law. The regional government is responsible for ensuring the smoothness, security, and comfort of pilgrims through local transportation financing.

Syaifuddin hopes this facility assistance will smooth the hajj pilgrimage process and urges pilgrims to always maintain their physical health.

Meanwhile, Head of the Kolaka Regency Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office, Muhammad Ilyas, stated that the total number of prospective hajj pilgrims from Kolaka Regency for 2026 is 431 people, divided into five flight groups (kloter).

“The Kolaka hajj pilgrims are divided into five kloters: Kloter 34, 35, 36, 38, and Kloter 43,” said Ilyas.

Based on the departure schedule for Kolaka’s prospective hajj pilgrims in 2026, Kloter 34 will depart from the airport on 14 May, Kloter 35 and 36 on 15 May, Kloter 38 on 17 May, and Kloter 43 on 19 May 2026.