Pekanbaru Pilgrim Dies in Mecca Ahead of Hajj Peak
A Hajj pilgrim from Pekanbaru, Baharuddin Sidi Biditek, part of Group 10 BTH, passed away in Mecca on Saturday (23/5). The pilgrim died while preparing for the peak Hajj rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
The late Baharuddin Sidi Biditek, who resided at Jalan Paus Gang Kayangan No. 11, Pekanbaru, Riau, is scheduled to be prayed over at the Grand Mosque before burial in Mecca following completion of the necessary procedures.
Defizon, head of the Riau Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stated that Baharuddin passed away at 6:40 AM at Hotel Safa Al Marjan. He had a history of hypertension.
“On behalf of the Riau Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, we extend our deepest condolences for the passing of Mr Baharuddin Sidi Biditek. May he attain a good end, have his sins forgiven, and may his family find strength and acceptance in this difficult time,” Defizon said on Sunday (24/5).
He explained that the government, through Hajj officials, would ensure all rights of the pilgrim are fulfilled, including arranging a substitute Hajj on his behalf.
“This pilgrim will be substituted by a designated official, and all his entitlements will be covered by the government,” he added.
He also noted that Hajj pilgrims who pass away in the Holy Land before the main rituals are entitled to insurance coverage as per regulations.
“For pilgrims who die in the Holy Land before the peak Hajj period, besides a substitute Hajj, they are also entitled to insurance as per regulations. The Ministry of Hajj will assist with all related processes,” he concluded. (H-2)
Causes of death among pilgrims include systemic inflammatory response, acute myocardial infarction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and septic shock.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has personally checked the readiness of accommodation services in the Mina tent area.
According to the latest operational data, 527 groups comprising 202,551 pilgrims and 2,098 officials have arrived in Mecca.
Alongside humanitarian diplomacy, the Ministry of Hajj (Kemenhaj) has also set a new milestone in Hajj management this year.
Services provided extend beyond administrative aspects to include health, religious guidance, psychological support, and humanitarian assistance.
Following a death, the body is handled by the company (syarikah) alongside Saudi Hajj Service Personnel (PPIH).
Fatigue and weather conditions are suspected to have contributed to declining health among pilgrims.
Indonesian Hajj pilgrim Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, 72, from Group JKG 27 who was previously reported missing, will be prayed over at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
A pilgrim from Brebes, Akhmad Nurokhman bin Zaeni, died at Saudi Germany Hospital in Madinah after cardiac treatment.