Officials urged to maintain discipline ahead of the 2026 Hajj peak
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, through the Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, is continuing to ready preparations ahead of the peak rites at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). The Head of the Armuzna Operations Unit (Kasatops) for PPIH Saudi Arabia 2026, Surnadi, stated that progress toward the peak of Hajj 2026 had reached 95 percent. “From the tents to be laid out to the facilities inside such as mattresses, everything has been prepared,” Surnadi said after briefing Armuzna’s Operations Sub-division in Mecca on Monday (18 May).
Facilities inside pilgrims’ tents at Armuzna include air conditioning, toilets, and a dedicated prayer area. Surnadi is optimistic that all pilgrims, without exception, will receive adequate tent facilities during the peak phase.
Regular checks of tent readiness have been carried out since last week. “If there are any deficiencies, we have coordinated with the operators so they can fulfil them,” he added.
In a separate briefing, the Head of Pilgrim Protection, PPIH Saudi Arabia, Colonel (Ret) Muftiono, instructed all Hajj officers to thoroughly understand their respective duties and functions (tusi). Discipline is regarded as the key to successful field operations. “What has been commanded, carry out your duties in accordance with your area. Never abandon your post,” Muftiono asserted.
Muftiono believes that a strong understanding of the tusi and disciplined conduct among officers will ensure the smooth execution of this year’s Hajj. Moreover, this year’s preparation and briefing period has been longer than before. “I am optimistic because recruitment of staff has been carried out well in advance, as has the training. In addition, the mitigation process by the Armuzna Task Force has also been undertaken well in advance,” Muftiono said. (H-3)
Awaiting the peak rites of Wukuf at Arafah, staying the night at Muzdalifah, and overnight in Mina (Armuzna), about 4,323 pilgrims from Aceh’s embarkation have departed to Mecca.
Saudi authorities use a lighting system on their iconic clock tower to mark the official start of the Hijri month.
The Special Mina Team has been formed to optimise protection and guidance for the 2026 Indonesian pilgrims.
PPIH Saudi Arabia continues to refine the murur scheme for Indonesian pilgrims ahead of the Armuzna peak.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah ensures 15 ready-to-eat Nusantara meals such as rendang will be available for Indonesian pilgrims during the Armuzna peak of Hajj 2026.
In addition to strengthening dam governance, the ministry reminded pilgrims of the importance of maintaining physical condition ahead of the peak phase of the Hajj at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
PPIH has also provided wheelchairs coordinated by the Elders and Disabilities Team (Landis) for pilgrims performing tawaf and sa’i.
As of 29 April 2026, 122 flight groups (kloter) or 47,834 pilgrims have departed for the Holy Land.
The report notes that health services in the Madinah Duty Area are further optimised, with 1,373 pilgrims undergoing outpatient treatment.