Suspected Dementia Causes Hajj Pilgrims from NTB to Get Lost in Saudi Arabia's Cemetery

Several Hajj pilgrims from Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) became disoriented while in Saudi Arabia. It is suspected that they experienced a recurrence of dementia, with their condition worsened by Saudi Arabia’s weather factors. Some pilgrims even refused to return to their accommodation and only wanted to keep walking. Among them, some ended up lost in a cemetery.

The Head of Work Team IV at the Class I Mataram Health Quarantine Centre (BKK), Ferry Wardhana, confirmed the news. A video of the disoriented pilgrims in Saudi Arabia was received from Hajj officials there.

“It’s indeed hot and dusty there, and many pilgrims from Bima who have departed have become disoriented. I’ve already seen the video,” said Ferry at the Lombok Hajj Embarkation Dormitory in Mataram on Friday (1/5/2026).

Ferry stated that the disoriented pilgrims were suspected to be fatigued. They are still being searched for by Hajj officials in Saudi Arabia. “We don’t know where they are now. This might be due to senility. Some even went to the cemetery there, and some don’t want to return to the accommodation, they just want to keep walking,” Ferry recounted.

Before departing for the Holy Land, Ferry explained, these disoriented pilgrims had met the istithaah (Hajj requirements) during checks at the Lombok Hajj Embarkation Dormitory, including improved health conditions. It is strongly suspected that they experienced acute dementia due to fatigue upon arriving in the Holy Land.

“Their condition here (in Indonesia) was stable; dementia wasn’t apparent here. Their status didn’t indicate dementia. But it’s uncontrolled. Yes, so there, due to fatigue, they walked to the cemetery, dehydration, and then encountered crowds,” he said.

The weather in Saudi Arabia, Ferry added, can also worsen the pilgrims’ conditions. This can trigger dementia symptoms in elderly pilgrims. “Are they stable now? I don’t know about this one yet. Dementia can be managed. What can’t be cured are the acute symptoms,” he said.

Of the 2,722 NTB pilgrims who arrived in Madinah and Makkah, Ferry explained, they generally faced hot weather challenges. Even some pilgrims experienced a decrease in appetite because the food in Saudi Arabia differs from that in the homeland.

“Environmental challenges of heat and dust. Then adaptation issues because it’s a new place, so many get disoriented, and also food challenges because it’s different there. The food doesn’t taste good there. Here it’s spicy. That makes them lose appetite,” Ferry emphasised.

The Head of the NTB Provincial Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office, Lalu Muhammad Amin, explained that based on reports from officials in the Holy Land, the current temperature in Saudi Arabia exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. “Most of our pilgrims are in good health and continue performing their worship in the Holy Land. But naturally, in each group, some experience health declines due to fatigue,” said Amin.

The flight from Lombok to the Holy Land takes nearly 20 hours. This requires stable energy and physical condition.

“Therefore, we also advise all our departing Hajj pilgrims to truly maintain their stamina, health, and physical fitness. Don’t let their health decline, don’t get too tired or fatigued, so that their journey goes smoothly without obstacles,” he said.

Amin assured that all NTB Hajj pilgrims are staying in hotels near the Masjidil Haram. This will facilitate the mobilisation of pilgrims heading to Makkah.

“Not too far, especially since all our pilgrims will be placed in one hotel called Luqluah. That hotel is very close to the Jamaroh, and also not too far from the Masjidil Haram,” he emphasised.

Amin also assured that the hotel side has prepared mobilisation for the pilgrims from departure from the hotel to the Masjidil Haram for 24 hours. In addition, the Ministry of Hajj has a Hajj and Umrah Store service to meet the needs of all pilgrims.

“Like souvenirs and such. So, they don’t need to bring heavy items from there. Through one application, they can fulfil the pilgrims’ needs, especially for souvenirs when returning to the homeland,” Amin emphasised.