Minister of Hajj Urges Indonesian Pilgrims to Pray for National Leaders at Arafah

Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, or Gus Irfan, urged Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to pray for national leaders during their supplications. ‘Pray for families, national leaders, the safety of Indonesia, and the return of all pilgrims as hajj mabrur,’ he said in his speech at Arafah on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

Gus Irfan also stated that Arafah is a space for reflection for Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims are trained to avoid rafats, fusuq, and jidal, which broadly mean restraining sexual desires, committing sins, and quarrelling. ‘Pilgrims are also advised to maintain health, rest adequately, carry sufficient supplies, personal medication, identification documents, masks, water bottles, and prayer equipment,’ he added.

The Minister noted that the 2026 Hajj organisation marks a historic moment for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Previously, Hajj management was handled by the Ministry of Religion through its Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah. ‘Therefore, this year’s Hajj services must prove that the state is present more focused, directed, and closer to pilgrims,’ he concluded.

The peak Hajj rituals commenced today, Tuesday (26 May 2026), with the wuquf at Arafah. This three-phase process, known as Armuzna, encompasses Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Gus Irfan explained that 202,551 regular Hajj pilgrims, transported via 527 flight groups, are now at Arafah, along with 16,596 special Hajj pilgrims, bringing the total to 219,147.