Ministry of Hajj Places Complete Boeing Aircraft at Aceh Hajj Dormitory for Pilgrimage Training
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has stated that the Garuda Indonesia aircraft placed at the Aceh Hajj Embarkation Dormitory represents a form of respect from President Prabowo Subianto towards the people of Aceh.
On Sunday, 15 February 2026, the Deputy Minister inaugurated the donated aircraft from Garuda Indonesia, intended for use as a flight simulation facility for prospective hajj pilgrims from the Land of the Veranda of Mecca, as Aceh is traditionally known.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny H. Kairupan, Minister of National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy, and Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah.
The Boeing 737 aircraft, formerly operated by Citilink, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, has been placed at the facility to support education and pilgrimage training for prospective hajj and umrah pilgrims from Aceh. The aircraft is not a replica but a complete fuselage, making it the first of its kind in Indonesia.
Formally, Garuda Indonesia together with its subsidiaries Citilink and GMF AeroAsia handed over the aircraft mockup — a B737-500 with registration PK-GGD — to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for placement at the Banda Aceh Hajj Dormitory.
Through this facility, pilgrims can practise various flight procedures, including how to board the cabin, procedures for stowing luggage in overhead compartments, use of seatbelts, and safety simulations during flight.
Dahnil emphasised that physical readiness and knowledge of air travel are crucial, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
The placement of the aircraft in Aceh also carries a historical dimension. Dahnil recalled the contribution of the Acehnese people to the birth of Indonesia’s national airline. The first aircraft was known as Seulawah RI-001, the precursor of Indonesian national aviation.
At the same occasion, Garuda Indonesia also donated 1,000 copies of the Quran made from recycled materials to the Aceh Hajj Dormitory as part of its support for the spiritual preparedness of pilgrims.