Missing in Mecca, Jakarta-based Elderly Hajj Pilgrim Found Dead

An Indonesian Jakarta-based Hajj pilgrim named Muhammad Firdaus, 72, who had been reported missing, was found dead. Based on on-the-ground team reports and coordination with Saudi authorities, Mr. Muhammad Firdaus was found to be deceased, said Moh Hasan Afandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, in a written statement on Friday (22 May). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia extends its deep condolences on the death of the late Mr. Firdaus. ‘Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return. We, the entire Indonesian Hajj Delegation (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the deceased. May Allah, the Almighty, continually bestow His mercy and forgiveness upon him, and grant patience to his family,’ he added. He emphasised that the government, through the Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, will arrange a badal haji for the deceased. The execution of the badal haji will be carried out by Hajj officers. On this occasion, Hasan also called on all pilgrims and officers to increase mutual care for one another, especially towards elderly pilgrims, the disabled, women, and pilgrims with certain health conditions. According to him, all pilgrims and officers should be more perceptive if they see a pilgrim walking alone, looking confused, fatigued, or separated from the group. ‘If you see a pilgrim walking alone, appearing confused, exhausted, or separated from the group, promptly greet them and ask about their condition. If that pilgrim does not know the direction or needs assistance, escort them to the nearest officer, service post, or report to sector and group officers,’ he urged. Hasan reminded everyone not to let pilgrims walk alone without escort, especially those who require more attention. Mutual care is considered very important to reduce the risk of pilgrims getting lost or separated from their group. The Ministry of Hajj also urged pilgrims who need assistance not to hesitate to convey their conditions and needs to officers. Hasan said Indonesian Hajj officers are present to accompany, serve, and protect pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land. Hasan expressed thanks to the deceased’s family, the Jeddah Indonesian Consulate (KJRI Jeddah), Saudi authorities, the Saudi hospital, the Hajj officers who conducted the search, and all Indonesians who prayed during the search process. Firdaus was reported missing since Friday 15 May, after leaving his hotel in the Sector 9 area of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The family said Firdaus left without carrying identification or any means of communication. This hindered the search because the pilgrim did not carry a Nusuk card, mobile phone, or other identity cards. ‘Abah hilang pergi tidak membawa kartu identitas, Nusuk (kartu pintar haji), HP semua ditinggal di hotel,’ said Firdaus’s nephew, Alwihaz Zerra. Based on CCTV footage, Firdaus was seen leaving the hotel in the morning around 09:04 local time. He was wearing white Muslim attire and a sarong. Firdaus was known to have left for Hajj with his wife through KBIH Imam Bonjol, Pondok Labu, South Jakarta. He was staying at Future Light Hotel, room 916, while in Mecca. The family said Firdaus had no history of amnesia or dementia. However, according to the family, he was thought to be disoriented when he left the hotel.