Sultra Hajj Ministry reminds pilgrims to comply with selfie ban in Holy Land

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Southeast Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has reminded prospective Hajj pilgrims (JCH) to comply with the ban on taking selfies or conducting live streams in the areas of Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi.

Acting Head of the Sultra Kemenhaj Regional Office, Muhammad Lalan Jaya, in Kendari on Tuesday, stated that the ban is a policy from the Saudi Arabian Government to ensure that pilgrims perform their worship more devoutly and do not disturb other pilgrims.

“This regulation is the latest policy from the Saudi Arabian Government so that pilgrims can worship more devoutly. We have conveyed this information to the pilgrims through coordination groups,” said Muhammad Lalan during the send-off of pilgrims at the Kendari Hajj Hostel.

He emphasised that compliance with this rule is very important because there are consequences for violators.

In addition, he advised pilgrims to use smartphones wisely while in the Holy Land.

“We do not prohibit bringing mobile phones, but use them wisely and not excessively, especially when in sacred places,” he explained.

Regarding departure data, Kemenhaj Sultra recorded a total of 2,064 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Sultra for 2026. This number is the result of quota adjustments after administrative processes involving 34 outgoing mutations and 20 incoming mutations.

According to the schedule, Sultra Hajj pilgrims will begin departing for the Makassar Embarkation on 12 May 2026, and are scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia on 14 May 2026.