Two Flight Groups Arrive from Soppeng and Sidrap; Hajj Organisers Report Smooth 2026 Season

For two consecutive days, the Makassar Embarkation-Debarkation unit welcomed the return of two flight groups of Hajj pilgrims from South Sulawesi. The first group, primarily consisting of pilgrims from Soppeng Regency, arrived on Monday night (1/6), followed by the second group from Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) on Tuesday morning (2/6). A total of 782 pilgrims and officials have returned safely to the country.

The Chairman of the Makassar Embarkation-Debarkation Committee, H. Ikbal Ismail, expressed his gratitude and appreciated all officials who accompanied the pilgrims from departure to return. He noted that the 2026 Hajj administration proceeded well, an assessment shared by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Supervisory Team, which monitored the implementation directly in Saudi Arabia.

“On behalf of the Makassar Embarkation-Debarkation Committee, we express our thanks to the government and all parties for the successful implementation of this year’s Hajj process,” said Ikbal during the reception ceremony at the Arafah Hall, Makassar Hajj Dormitory.

While the process was generally smooth, the committee noted several fatalities. Up to the return of the first group, 16 pilgrims from the Makassar Embarkation were recorded to have passed away in the Holy Land. The breakdown includes 11 pilgrims from South Sulawesi, one from West Sulawesi, two from Southeast Sulawesi, one from North Maluku, and one from Maluku. From the second group, one pilgrim, Ijuma H. Lompeng, passed away on 30 May 2026, while another, Lanti Latief Abdullah, remains under medical care in Saudi Arabia.

Overall, the Makassar Embarkation originally planned to send 16,728 pilgrims and officials. However, 22 prospective pilgrims could not depart due to various reasons, including illness, pregnancy, and death. The arrival of the second group was particularly notable, as the Regent of Sidrap, H. Syaharuddin Alrif, personally met the pilgrims at the aircraft area, fulfilling a promise made during their departure.

Syaharuddin noted that this year was a significant moment as Sidrap Regency was able to send two flight groups for the first time, a result of good coordination between the local government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. During the reception, officials reminded pilgrims of the true essence of the Hajj pilgrimage, emphasising that the title of ‘Hajji’ carries a moral responsibility to exhibit noble character and social concern within the community.