NTB Hajj Pilgrims Banned from Creating Content During Worship in Mecca and Medina

The Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Lalu Muhammad Amin, has banned all Hajj pilgrims from the Bumi Gora region from creating content on social media while performing worship in Mecca or Medina, Saudi Arabia. This prohibition was conveyed to ensure that all pilgrims achieve a mabrur Hajj.

“Of course, so that our pilgrims can truly perform worship with full devotion, avoid things that are less beneficial and unimportant, especially creating content in places of worship,” said Lalu Amin when met at his office on Friday (1/5/2026).

Amin stated that the ban on creating content in places of worship during the Hajj has also been issued by the Saudi Arabian government. If violated, pilgrims will face strict sanctions.

“So it is not permitted; they will receive strict sanctions. In addition to sanctions, fines will be imposed,” Amin emphasised.

Furthermore, Hajj and Umrah Worship Guidance Groups (KBIHU) are requested not to use excessive attributes in places of worship during the 1447 Hijriah Hajj, such as carrying banners, flags, and the like, as it would disturb other pilgrims.

Amin said that all pilgrims are also asked not to bring excessive luggage while performing worship, whether at the Ka’bah or in Medina. Amin stressed that before the implementation of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna), pilgrims should not be burdened with luggage from Medina to Mecca.

“Don’t overdo it. This must be anticipated by the KBIHU as well as our pilgrims who are there,” Amin explained.

All pilgrims from NTB are expected to perform worship comfortably, safely, and prioritising safety. The health of the pilgrims is the top priority during the Hajj in the Holy Land.

The former Head of the Hajj Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) NTB advised all pilgrims arriving on the first day in Mecca not to wander around. Pilgrims are also asked to remain focused on worship while in Medina or Mecca al Mukaromah.

Previously, 2,723 Hajj pilgrims from NTB had been dispatched to the Holy Land via Lombok Embarkation. This number is the accumulation from seven flight groups (kloter) dispatched in stages to Saudi Arabia.

Based on a report from the Hajj Worship Organiser Officers (PPIH) of Lombok Embarkation as of 30 April 2026, all pilgrims were dispatched along with 28 accompanying officers, bringing the total to 2,750 people. The entire departure process ran smoothly without any empty seats (open seat).