MP Urges Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims to Limit Non-Worship Activities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII Atalia Praratya has urged Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims to limit activities outside the series of worship in order to maintain physical condition and minimise risks while in the Holy Land.

“Pilgrims should not force additional activities outside of worship interests that can drain physical condition,” said Atalia, quoted in Jakarta on Thursday.

She assessed that limiting activities outside worship is not only important for maintaining pilgrims’ health but also to ensure that the entire series of worship can be carried out safely, comfortably, and devoutly.

The appeal was conveyed in response to the bus accident that befell Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims in the Jabal Magnet area, Madinah, on Tuesday (28/4).

According to Atalia, focusing on main worship and compliance with instructions from officials is an important step to avoid unnecessary risks, including fatigue due to additional activities outside the official agenda.

Furthermore, she also appreciated the quick response from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah along with Hajj officials in providing handling and assistance to the affected pilgrims. Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, she said, will continue to coordinate with the government and stakeholders to ensure that services, assistance, and recovery for pilgrims run optimally.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia through the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is handling the traffic accident case experienced by the Indonesian Hajj Group (JHI) on 28 April 2026 in Saudi Arabia,” said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI Heni Hamidah in a press statement from the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) RI received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/4).

Heni also confirmed that there were no fatalities in the incident involving the Indonesian Hajj Group (JHI) bus during the return journey from a pilgrimage and city tour activity in Jabal Magnet.

Heni explained that there were 10 people injured, seven of whom were pilgrims from Kloter JKS-1 from West Java. They sustained minor injuries and have received treatment from the medical team and have returned to the Hotel Andalus Golden.