Three Hajj Pilgrims from Situbondo Pass Away in Mecca

The Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Situbondo Regency, East Java, has reported that three pilgrims from the area have died in the Holy Land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. “Previously we reported two pilgrims had died, but now there is one more, bringing the total number of Situbondo pilgrims who have passed away in Mecca to three,” said Rif’an Junaidi, Head of the Situbondo Hajj and Umrah Ministry Office, on Monday. The three deceased pilgrims are H Fathor Rahman (58), a resident of Kampung Pesisir Hamlet, Mlandingan Kulon Village, Mlandingan District, who died at his hotel on 29 May 2026; Hj Almi Massuya (85), a resident of Kertosari Village, Asembagus District, who died due to advanced age on 1 June 2026; and Hj Sovi Wulandari, who died on 4 June 2026. “The three bodies were prayed over at the Grand Mosque, death certificates were issued, and they were buried by Saudi Hajj officers,” said Rif’an Junaidi. Meanwhile, Iwan Subhakti, Head of the People’s Welfare Division at the Situbondo Regency Government, added that the local government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah are currently preparing for the return of the region’s pilgrims. “The first return of pilgrims from flight group 75 will be at the Surabaya Hajj Dormitory on 21 June 2026, while groups 87, 88, 89, 90 and 91 will return on 24 June 2026,” he said. Iwan added that the local government is facilitating the pilgrims’ return by providing 24 buses and two reserve buses. Previously, 1,000 prospective pilgrims from Situbondo departed for the Holy Land of Mecca on 13 and 14 May 2026.