Two Hajj Pilgrims from West Sumatra Return to Padang, Five Still Hospitalised
Two Hajj pilgrims from the Padang embarkation point have finally returned to West Sumatra after their homecoming was delayed due to hospital treatment in Saudi Arabia. The pair arrived in Ranah Minang on Tuesday (23/6/2026) after being unable to travel with their original flight groups. The pilgrims are Jasri Abdullah Maran, 76, from Lima Puluh Kota Regency, and Syaifuddin Wirdas Tompek, 60. They reached West Sumatra via a connecting flight from Jakarta, having been repatriated to Indonesia alongside pilgrims from the Banten embarkation point, flight group JKB-15.
The arrival of the two pilgrims at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) was greeted by the Head of the West Sumatra Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, M. Rifki, along with his staff, the heads of the religious affairs offices from the pilgrims’ home districts, and their families. Rifki expressed gratitude for the return of both pilgrims in good condition after their period of care in the Holy Land. “Welcome back to Ranah Minang and congratulations on reuniting with your beloved families. We also extend our thanks to the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH) for accompanying and escorting the pilgrims safely back to Padang,” said Rifki.
According to Rifki, happiness was clearly visible on the faces of both pilgrims upon arriving in their hometown. “Alhamdulillah, we saw the returning pilgrims looking very happy and full of smiles. It shows that their longing to meet their families again has finally been fulfilled. Such feelings are certainly shared by all pilgrims returning from the Holy Land,” he said. Jasri Abdullah Maran had previously undergone treatment at the Saudi German Hospital in Madinah with a diagnosis following a Post Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Post PCI) procedure. Prior to that, Jasri was also hospitalised in Makkah from 13 to 18 June 2026. Afterwards, he was transferred to a tanazul hotel in Madinah until he was declared fit to fly. Once his health improved, Jasri was repatriated to Indonesia with flight group JKB-15. From Jakarta, he continued his journey to Padang on Garuda Indonesia flight GA148, arriving at Minangkabau International Airport at 11:15 WIB.
Meanwhile, Syaifuddin Wirdas Tompek had received treatment at Al Noor Specialist Hospital for asthma-related issues during his stay in Saudi Arabia. After receiving care and being declared fit to fly, Syaifuddin was also repatriated with flight group JKB-15. From Jakarta, he travelled to Padang on Garuda Indonesia flight GA162 and arrived at BIM at 16:35 WIB. With the return of these two pilgrims, the number of Padang embarkation pilgrims still undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia now stands at five.
Rifki explained that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to monitor the health progress of the pilgrims still in care through coordination with health workers and the Indonesian Hajj Affairs Office in Saudi Arabia. “For the repatriation of pilgrims still receiving treatment, we are waiting for their health conditions to improve first. If possible, they will be sent home through other embarkation flight groups that are still operating,” he clarified. He stressed that if Hajj operations conclude while a pilgrim’s condition still prevents them from flying, the government will continue to provide assistance until the pilgrim is declared healthy and can be repatriated to the homeland. “Families need not worry. Pilgrims still undergoing treatment remain the responsibility of the government. There are officers and medical teams who will continue to accompany them until they return to Indonesia,” Rifki affirmed. The government has ensured that assistance and care will continue until all Padang embarkation pilgrims still hospitalised can return to Ranah Minang and reunite with their families.