Ministry of Hajj Still Searching for Missing Pilgrim in Mecca
An Indonesian hajj pilgrim is reported missing in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, since last week. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said the Saudi Hajj Execution Organizing Officers (PPIH) are still conducting the search for the pilgrim Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, who belongs to the JKG-27 group of the Imam Bonjol Hajj Guidance Group (KBIH Imam Bonjol).
Ichsan said the Ministry understands that the situation causes anxiety for the families waiting for news in the homeland. “Since the first report was received, we have ensured that the search process continues to be conducted seriously, thoroughly and continues until now,” Ichsan was quoted from a video posted on the Ministry’s Instagram account.
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Ichsan revealed that Firdaus has not returned since Friday, 15 May 2026. The authorities received the missing report via the Kawal Haji channel a day later, on Saturday 16 May 2026.
According to the latest information, Firdaus left the lodging place without carrying identification. At the time, Firdaus was wearing a white T-shirt and a sarong.
He also confirmed that the government had gathered CCTV footage and information from other jemaah travellers. “And also from the hotel CCTV at 09:04 Saudi time, the person concerned left the hotel alone without carrying any identification, except for the Hajj bracelet, in white clothing and a black sarong,” Ichsan said.
He added, “At that time in the hotel lobby the atmosphere was quiet, as most pilgrims were preparing and leaving to perform Friday prayers.”
Ichsan said that since receiving the missing report, several teams comprising several people had been formed.
One team moved from place to place, from one hotel to another, up to the Masjid al-Haram area. Another team was deployed to comb the streets to assist in the search.
Then the Saudi Jemaah Protection Team (LINJAM) was deployed from Medina. “The search phase continues to be carried out up to hospitals, both in Mecca and those outside Mecca,” said Ichsan.
Ichsan said the Ministry of Hajj also coordinates intensively with the Saudi police. “We also file a police report relating to our pilgrims, and provide full assistance to his wife during the search process because we are informed that the pilgrim was accompanied by his wife during the pilgrimage,” said Ichsan.
Furthermore, Ichsan urged pilgrims in the Holy Land who see or obtain information about Firdaus’s whereabouts to contact the nearest hajj officer immediately.
Ichsan also asked the public to remain calm and not to spread unverified information. “Avoid spreading photos or narratives that are speculative or hoaxes,” he said.
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