Yogyakarta Makes History with First Hotel-Based Hajj Embarkation Centre Officially Serving Prospective Pilgrims
Yogyakarta’s Hajj embarkation centre has officially begun operations. A total of 354 prospective Hajj pilgrims (calhaj) from Kulon Progo Regency and six Hajj officials, forming the first batch, arrived at the embarkation site centred at the Ibis-Novotel Hotel in Temon, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Tuesday morning (21 April 2026).
The pilgrims arrived in stages, transported by nine buses after participating in a farewell procession at the Wates Grand Mosque.
“Alhamdulillah, this morning the first batch from Kulon Progo Regency arrived at the embarkation, consisting of 354 calhaj and six officials, making one batch of 360 people,” said Acting Head of the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Jauhar Mustofa, in a statement to reporters in Kulon Progo on Tuesday.
The arrival flow system is arranged with separate entrances for odd and even groups to avoid congestion when entering the hotel. At this embarkation, pilgrims undergo final health checks as well as integrated services (one-stop service). In these services, pilgrims receive various important documents such as passports, visas, boarding passes, and the Nusuk card, which this year is distributed directly before departure.
“The one-stop service involves handing over passport documents, visas, boarding passes, and then the Nusuk card,” said Jauhar.
Jauhar revealed that distributing the Nusuk card at the embarkation is a new breakthrough in this year’s Hajj organisation. The card serves as the primary identity for pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.
“This is an extraordinary innovation; the Nusuk card is given in the home country. This card is like a driving licence for pilgrims; without it, they cannot carry out activities in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
In addition to documents, pilgrims also receive identification wristbands, living cost allowances of 750 riyals, and health supplies. The entire process in the ballroom is estimated to take around two hours before pilgrims are directed to hotel rooms to rest.