Second Wave of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Begin Journey Home from Madinah

Activity at hotels in Madinah increased on Monday (15/6/2026) afternoon local time as Indonesian Hajj pilgrims from the second wave began departing for Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport. This repatriation process is part of the final phase of the 2026 Hajj season, with flights to Indonesia commencing today, Tuesday (16/6/2026) at 00:20 Western Indonesian Time. The second wave’s return is scheduled from 16 to 30 June 2026, with the final arrivals in Indonesia expected on 1 July 2026. These pilgrims had previously stayed in Madinah for approximately nine days. The first wave’s repatriation via King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah took place from 1 to 15 June 2026. Pilgrims were seen boarding buses without needing to carry their main luggage, as baggage had been processed two days earlier. Small cabin bags were assisted by officers onto buses parked directly in front of the hotels. Some pilgrims carried large stuffed camel toys tied together and slung around their necks; Sarida (60), a pilgrim from Indramayu, said the toys were for her grandchildren at home. Pilgrims expressed mixed feelings of sadness and happiness about returning home. Ahmad Faisal (49), a pilgrim from Indramayu in group KJT 21, said he was sad to perform his last prayers and worship at the Nabawi Mosque but was also happy to soon meet his family. He expressed gratitude for being able to visit the Baqi Cemetery to bid farewell before leaving and hoped to be called back as a guest of Allah in the Holy Land. He praised the services during the 40-day pilgrimage, noting the food tasted like Indonesian cuisine and that officers were responsive in assisting pilgrims.