Special Hajj Pilgrims Begin Arriving in Madinah, 2026 Hajj Operations Proceed Smoothly

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Maria Assegaf, stated that the inaugural group of special Hajj pilgrims has arrived in the Holy Land.

This was conveyed during a press conference on the organisation of the 1447 Hijriah Hajj, on Sunday (3/5/2026).

“Alhamdulillah, we also report that the first group of special Hajj pilgrims, numbering 40, has arrived in the Holy Land,” said Maria.

Maria added that there are several differences between special Hajj and regular Hajj, including waiting times, costs, and the timing of the Hajj rituals.

On the same occasion, Maria also outlined the latest developments in the Hajj operations.

She noted that as of Sunday (3/5/2026), the Hajj organisation has entered the 13th day of operations.

“In general, the processes of departure, arrival, and movement of pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah are also proceeding smoothly, orderly, and continuously accompanied by personnel at all service points,” she said.

Meanwhile, 184 kloters with 71,362 pilgrims and 733 personnel have been recorded as arriving in Madinah.

For the movement of pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah, the process is carried out in stages.

A total of 36 kloters with 14,503 pilgrims and 148 personnel have arrived in Makkah to continue the series of rituals, including the obligatory Umrah and preparations for the peak of Hajj in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

“All pilgrim movement processes are carried out in a coordinated manner with escort personnel to ensure the comfort, security, and safety of pilgrims during the journey,” she said.