Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Prepares 'Murur' Scheme for High-Risk and Elderly Pilgrims
The Hajj and Umrah Organising Committee (PPIH) of Saudi Arabia is preparing a ‘murur’ scheme for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims ahead of the peak rituals at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). Under this scheme, high-risk pilgrims, the elderly, those with comorbidities, and their companions will be transported directly to Mina without disembarking or staying overnight in Muzdalifah.
The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organising, representing the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and serving as Deputy Person-in-Charge II of PPIH Saudi Arabia, Puji Raharjo, stated that this policy is designed to alleviate congestion in Muzdalifah while protecting the health of vulnerable pilgrims. “Due to limited space in Muzdalifah, some of our high-risk pilgrims, the elderly, those with comorbidities, and their companions will be taken directly to Mina,” Puji said in an official statement on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
He explained that pilgrims under the ‘murur’ category will still perform the ‘wukuf’ (standing) ritual in Arafah before continuing their journey to Mina via bus. Consequently, they will not need to disembark in Muzdalifah or wait until midnight to proceed. Meanwhile, healthy pilgrims will continue to perform ‘mabit’ (overnight stay) in Muzdalability before departing for Mina after midnight. Puji noted that PPIH Saudi Arabia, alongside the Armuzna Operations Unit, is still finalising the technical mechanisms, pilgrim distribution, and standard operating procedures for both ‘murur’ and ‘tanazul’ implementations.
PPIH is also coordinating with group leaders, religious guides, medical personnel, and Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU). “We hope all pilgrims can participate in the peak of the Hajj rituals normally, healthily, and without obstacles hindering their worship,” he added.
Puji emphasised that pilgrim compliance with official instructions is crucial to the success of this year’s Armuzna scheme. He stated that PPIH aims to avoid the overcrowding and movement delays experienced in previous Hajj seasons. “We do not want any more pilgrims to oversleep in Muzdalifah or be forced to walk due to congestion,” he said.
In addition to the ‘murur’ scheme, PPIH will deploy officers early to Arafah and Mina to assist with arrivals and ensure pilgrims can occupy tents appropriately. Some officers will be stationed specifically in Mina, with some even prioritising service delivery over performing the Hajj rituals themselves.
Furthermore, PPIH is preparing ‘safari wukuf’ services for elderly and disabled pilgrims, with an estimated 300 to 400 participants. According to Puji, these numbers are subject to stricter health screenings and monitoring compared to previous years. As the peak of Hajj approaches, Puji reminded pilgrims to maintain their physical condition and avoid strenuous activity before the ‘wukuf’ in Arafah. “The peak of Hajj is at Arafah. Do not exhaust your energy before the time comes,” he advised.