Stoning of the Jamarat Continues as Communication Among Pilgrims Critical for Smooth Proceedings
Hundreds of thousands of Hajj pilgrims from various countries, including Indonesia, are completing the stoning of the Jamarat ritual in Mina. As of Friday, 29 May 2026, the mandatory Hajj ritual has proceeded safely and smoothly with no major issues.
The stoning ceremony began on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Pilgrims opting for the early departure (nafar awal) finished the stoning by Friday, while those choosing the later departure (nafar tsani) continued until Saturday, 30 May 2026, corresponding to 10-13 Dzulhijjah 1447 AH.
For Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, the stoning takes place on the first and third floors of the Jamarat complex. The flow of pilgrims towards the stoning site continues.
Cucu Nurparid, Head of Mobile Crisis Rescue (MCR) Post 3, said one common issue faced by officials is pilgrims getting separated from their groups. He emphasised that communication among pilgrims is crucial for maintaining smooth and safe movement towards Jamarat.
“We urge all Hajj pilgrims performing the stoning to avoid splitting from their groups and ensure they are physically fit. The distance from the Maktab is considerable, so maintaining communication within the group is key to ensuring smooth proceedings,” said Cucu Nurparid to the Hajj Media Centre (MCH) 2026 team at Jamarat on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Despite this, Cucu noted that the stoning process has been orderly since day one. Post 3 MCR 1 has served many VIP group pilgrims, including special Hajj groups, the DPR Oversight Team, Amirulhaj, and invited guests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“We are at the lower MCR Post 3. Most pilgrims here are from VIP groups, such as the DPR Oversight Team, Amirulhaj’s group, and invited guests, who are accommodated at this lower MCR position,” he added.
He explained that the heaviest crowds occurred on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, from 11:30 AM local time until late at night. However, the congestion was managed due to the pilgrims’ discipline.
Observations from Wednesday to Friday showed dense crowds filling tunnels and pathways leading to the Jamarat complex. Thousands of pilgrims walked in orderly lines from morning to night to perform the stoning.
Stoning the Jamarat is a mandatory Hajj ritual performed in Mina, where pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars symbolising resistance against Satan’s temptations.
Crowds were evident at several points, particularly along access roads to Jamarat. However, the overall process proceeded smoothly thanks to crowd management by Saudi security authorities.
Amidst the crowds, health personnel were on standby along the routes to Jamarat. Some pilgrims received medical attention due to exhaustion after walking approximately 15 kilometres.
Hot weather and high physical activity posed challenges for pilgrims during the stoning ritual. Officials continuously advised them to maintain physical health, drink plenty of water, and avoid pushing themselves when feeling unwell.