April 22, The First Group of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Will Land in Medina

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MADINIAH -- Preparations for welcoming Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land are in the final stages. Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organising Officer (PPIH) confirmed the entire service was ready ahead of the arrival of the first clooters scheduled to land in Medina on April 22.

Director of Hajj Service Overseas and Vice Chairman of PPIH II Saudi Arabia, Budi Agung Nugroho, said that service readiness covers all major aspects, from accommodation, consumption to transportation. A total of 682 PPIH officers from Jakarta have been deployed in the Work Area (Daker) of Medina and the Airport to ensure the arrival process and movement of congregants run smoothly.

According to Budi, the Jakarta-Pondok Gede Embarkation (JKG) this year again uses the fast track scheme, so that the immigration process at the airport takes place faster. The first kloter was scheduled to arrive at Medina's Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (AMAA) at 06:50 Saudi Arabia Time (WAS).

“With the fast track scheme, the welcome at the airport is carried out in a short time. The official welcome will be held when the pilgrims arrive at the hotel in Medina,” he said at the Daker Medina Office, Sunday (19/4/2026).

He added that the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Saudi Arabia together with the Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia are planned to attend the inaugural welcome.

Budi also said arrangements for the movement of worshippers from the airport towards buses were done with special care. This is done through cooperation with the Islamic parties to ensure that the flow of movement runs orderly and organized.

“The movement of the congregation is organized by squads and groups so that from the airport to the division of hotel rooms they remain in one group. It's important to maintain order,” Budi explained.

For baggage handling, a special service has been set up so that the congregants' luggage can arrive safely at the hotel.

During their stay in Medina, worshippers will undergo Arbain worship for eight to nine days. Kemenhaj also guarantees consumption services with a total maximum of 27 meals during the stay.

“After that, the pilgrims will be sent to Makkah to attend the series of peak Hajj services,” he said.