Story of an Elderly Couple Departing for Hajj After Waiting 7 Years
Saanih Sitak Rowah, 65 years old, feels fortunate to be able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage sooner than her scheduled time. She is departing for Hajj this year with her husband, Suhe Gani Keneng, 82 years old, after queuing for seven years.
“It was supposed to be in 2027, but from Allah, I received the call,” said Saanih, who was sitting in a wheelchair while waiting for departure at the Hajj terminal of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
The woman from Tangerang recounted that thanks to her eldest child who covered all the Hajj costs, she and her husband did not need to worry. The Hajj registration was done in 2019, and they were prioritised because of their advanced age.
Receiving a shorter waiting period than most prospective pilgrims, Saanih repeatedly expressed her gratitude. “Many of my friends paid in earlier, but haven’t been called yet. They say ‘it’s nice to have received the call, mine is taking a long time’,” she said, imitating the responses from those around her.
Saanih admitted to being enthusiastic about performing the entire series of Hajj rituals, even if she has to do it from a wheelchair. Five days before departure, Saanih fell after slipping while about to enter her home. As a result, her foot was sprained, and she had to wear a knee support.
Meanwhile, Suhe Gani Keneng claimed to be ready to accompany his wife during their time in Saudi Arabia. Having performed Umrah in 2016, he is optimistic about not facing any difficulties there, Suhe said.
According to Suhe, he is among the oldest pilgrims in the group from Embarkasi Cipondoh, Grand El Hajj Banten. “I heard there are those aged 75 years, 70 years, 65 years,” Suhe stated.
Although his physical condition is fit, Suhe admitted that he is not strong enough to walk long distances. “If walking, there’s a bit of weakness too,” he said.
Suhe and Saanih are one of the elderly couples from the first flight group of Hajj pilgrims departing from the Cipondoh embarkation point. In total, there are 391 Hajj pilgrims from that embarkation departing to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening at 18:55 WIB.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah divides the departure of Hajj pilgrims into two waves and 525 kloter. The first wave begins departing on Wednesday, 22 April, while the second wave in May 2026. This year, Indonesia receives a Hajj quota of 221,000, with 92 percent for regular Hajj and 8 percent for special Hajj.