Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Bans City Tours for Pilgrims Before Hajj Peak

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia has reaffirmed the prohibition on conducting visits or city tours for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims before the peak phase of the Hajj rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) is completed. This policy is intended as a protective measure to keep pilgrims healthy and prepared for the core Hajj worship.

Spokesperson for the Ministry, Ichsan Marsha, stated that Armuzna represents the essence of Hajj worship, requiring optimal physical condition, maintained stamina, and readiness in mental and spiritual aspects for the pilgrims.

“This ban is not to restrict pilgrims’ activities, but as a protective step so that pilgrims do not become fatigued and remain focused on preparing themselves for the Armuzna phase. The government wants to ensure that all pilgrims can carry out the peak of Hajj worship safely, healthily, and with devotion,” said Ichsan Marsha during a press conference on the organisation of Hajj worship 1447 H/2026 AD in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday (7/5/2026).

Through the latest circular letter, the Ministry requests all Hajj group members and KBIHU worship guides not to schedule, facilitate, or organise visit or city tour activities outside the cities of Madinah and Makkah before the entire Armuzna worship sequence is completed.

The Ministry also urges KBIHU guides to focus their mentoring of pilgrims on strengthening physical, mental, and spiritual readiness, as well as understanding the rituals ahead of the wuquf and the series of worship in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.