Missing Indonesian Hajj candidate found dead in Mecca

Mecca, ANTARA — The Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrim Muhammad Firdaus from Jakarta-Pondok Gede embarkation (JKG) group 27, who had previously been reported missing, has been found deceased in the city of Mecca. ‘Based on reports from the field team and coordination with Saudi authorities, Mr. Muhammad Firdaus was found deceased,’ said Moh. Hasan Afandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in Mecca on Friday. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia expressed its deep condolences on Firdaus’s death. ‘Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. We, the entire PPIH Arab Saudi, extend our deepest condolences on the death of the deceased. May Allah SWT continue to pour His mercy and forgiveness upon him, and grant patience to his family,’ Hasan said. He emphasized that the government, through the Pilgrim Welfare Officers (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, will arrange a badal hajj for the deceased. The execution of the badal hajj will be carried out by hajj officers. ‘The government through PPIH Saudi Arabia will prepare a badal hajj to be performed by hajj officers for the deceased,’ Hasan said. At the event, Hasan also invited all pilgrims and officers to increase mutual care for one another, especially for elderly pilgrims, people with disabilities, women, and pilgrims with specific health conditions. He noted that every pilgrim and officer should be more alert when they see a pilgrim walking alone, appearing confused, fatigued, or separated from their group. Hasan reminded not to let pilgrims walk alone without accompaniment, particularly those who require more attention. Mutual care is considered essential to reduce the risk of pilgrims getting lost or separated from their group. ‘Do not allow pilgrims to walk alone without accompaniment. The care of you all is crucial to reduce the likelihood of pilgrims getting lost or separated from their group,’ Hasan said. The Ministry of Hajj also urged pilgrims needing assistance not to hesitate to communicate their condition and needs to the officers. Hasan stressed that Indonesian hajj officers are present to accompany, serve, and protect the pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land. ‘For pilgrims who need assistance, do not hesitate to communicate to the officers. Indonesian hajj officers are here to accompany, serve, and protect the pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land,’ Hasan said.