TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The first wave of Indonesian hajj pilgrims have left Medina, after the last three groups departed for Mecca on Friday morning, May 15, 2026.
The last three groups came from Embarkation UPG 21, KJT 20, and BTH 14 with a total of about 1,278 pilgrims. Before heading to Mecca, pilgrims made a stop in Bir Ali to take the intention of ihram and perform sunnah prayers.
The Head of the Hajj Worship Organizing Committee (PPIH) in the Medina Working Area, Khalilurrahman, stated that the departure process of the pilgrims on the last day went smoothly.
"Today, Medina is officially empty of regular hajj pilgrims from the first wave," said Khalilurrahman in an official statement on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Since the morning, Khalilurrahman has been monitoring the release of BTH 14 pilgrims from the hotel to Bir Ali. In that miqat (border) area, he also directly observed the departure process of the pilgrims to Mecca.
According to Khalilurrahman, pilgrims who are still being treated in hospitals or the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic will depart to Mecca after being declared fit by the doctor. He stated that health officers will continue to accompany pilgrims who have fallen ill.
The Head of the Bir Ali Sector of PPIH, Divia Ardianto, stated that officers remained on standby until the departure of the last group. According to him, services for elderly and disabled pilgrims were a concern during the miqat process in Bir Ali.
Officers provided assistance and golf carts for pilgrims who had difficulty walking to the bus. "We want the elderly pilgrims to be comfortable while undergoing the miqat process without having to walk far," said Divia.
The hot weather in Medina was also a concern for hajj officers. In the last few days, the temperature in the city reached 42 degrees Celsius and is expected to be higher in Mecca during the culmination of the hajj worship.
Officers urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water, use umbrellas and masks when outdoors, and reduce non-essential activities. Pilgrims were also asked to rest before the peak worship phase in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
Medina will receive the arrival of the second wave of hajj pilgrims after the worship series in Armuzna is completed. Meanwhile, some PPIH officers will move to Mecca to strengthen services during the peak hajj phase.
Read: Indonesia Reports 20 Hajj Pilgrim Deaths in Saudi Arabia
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