Regional Head: Hajj Pilgrims from North Sulawesi Dominated by Elderly

To maintain the physical condition of the pilgrims and prevent fatigue, the organising committee has implemented an educational innovation via television in every Hajj dormitory room.

Manado (ANTARA) - The Head of the North Sulawesi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office, Wahyudin Ukoli, stated that the prospective Hajj pilgrims (JCH) from the region for 2026 will be dominated by the elderly.

“Out of the 394 prospective Hajj pilgrims (calhaj) from North Sulawesi this year, there are around 200 or more who are already elderly,” said Wahyudin in Manado on Friday.

Therefore, he said, they have prepared Hajj personnel who must prioritise the elderly.

He emphasised that all personnel from the Regional Hajj Organising Committee (PPIHD) have been instructed to serve the pilgrims with a familial principle, in line with this year’s theme commitment: “Elderly, Disability, and Women-Friendly Hajj”.

To keep the pilgrims’ physical condition from fatigue, the committee has applied an innovation in education through television media in every Hajj dormitory room.

In this way, he said, pilgrims can follow guidance on Hajj rituals and flight technicalities without needing to gather in the hall, thus making rest time more quality.

North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus, while inspecting the pilgrims at the Manado Hajj Dormitory, said to help each other, especially the elderly.

He stated that his side will escort all JCH to Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado, and the Governor also assured that he will pick them up when the JCH return to North Sulawesi.

The North Sulawesi Provincial Government is providing financial assistance of Rp5 million each for local Hajj costs to JCH from North Sulawesi.