Pilgrim Missing in Mecca Found Dead, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Prepares Badal Haji

Mecca — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhaj) has expressed deep condolences over the death of Muhammad Firdaus, a 72-year-old Indonesian hajj pilgrim from Group JKG-27, who had previously been reported as missing during search operations in Saudi Arabia.

Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry, Moh. Hasan Afandi, said that the search for the pilgrim Muhammad Firdaus had reached a conclusion. Based on field reports and coordination with Saudi authorities, Firdaus was found to be deceased.

‘Based on field reports and coordination with Saudi authorities, Mr Muhammad Firdaus was found to have died,’ Hasan said in a statement in Mecca on Friday (22 May 2026).

‘Indeed, to God we belong and indeed to Him we shall return. The entire PPIH Saudi Arabia convey deep condolences on the death of the late. May Allah bestow His mercy and forgiveness upon him, and grant patience to the family left behind,’ he added.

Hasan said thanks to the deceased’s family, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Jeddah (KJRI Jeddah), Saudi authorities, the Saudi hospital authorities, the Hajj officers who conducted the search, and all Indonesians who prayed during the search.

He emphasised that the government through the Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia will arrange a badal haji for the deceased. The badal haji will be carried out by the Hajj officers.

‘The government through PPIH Saudi Arabia will arrange a badal haji to be performed by Hajj officers for the deceased,’ Hasan explained.

During the occasion, Hasan also urged all pilgrims and officers to increase care for one another, particularly for the elderly, the disabled, women, and pilgrims with health conditions. He said that every pilgrim and officer should be more alert when seeing a pilgrim walking alone, appearing confused, exhausted, or separated from the group.

‘If you see a pilgrim walking alone, appearing confused, exhausted, or separated from the group, greet them and ask about their condition. If the pilgrim does not know the direction or needs assistance, accompany them to the nearest officer, service post, or report to the relevant sector and group officials,’ he urged.