Zamzam Water Ban in Luggage: Ministry of Hajj Warns of Risk of Forced Inspection

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have been warned not to carry Zamzam water in their checked or cabin luggage, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Maria Assegaff, emphasised that the prohibition is not merely a recommendation but an international aviation regulation that must be followed to ensure safety and smooth airport procedures.

Ms Assegaff requested that pilgrims do not worry about bringing Zamzam water independently from Saudi Arabia, as the government has guaranteed the availability of the holy water for every pilgrim upon arrival in Indonesia. “Zamzam water has been prepared through official mechanisms. Every member of the Indonesian Hajj group will receive one 5-litre gallon at their respective embarkation point after arriving in the homeland,” Ms Assegaff stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to recent data, the return phase began on Monday, with a total of 17 initial groups being flown gradually through King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. The Ministry expressed its appreciation for the discipline shown by Indonesian pilgrims during their pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

In addition to the Zamzam water issue, pilgrims are also urged to pay close attention to crucial documents before heading to the airport. “Ensure that passports, identity cards, personal medications, and other important documents are kept in an easily accessible place,” Ms Assemgaff added.

The government hopes that all pilgrims will follow the movement schedules established by officers at their respective hotels to avoid congestion at the airport. Meanwhile, the first group of the 2026 Hajj, consisting of 378 pilgrims, has arrived in Surabaya, part of the total 380 pilgrims and officials who travelled to the Holy Land.