TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar conveyed an apology to Indonesian hajj pilgrims for various inconveniences during the pilgrimage, starting from departure to the Arafah, Mudzalifah, and Mina phases.
"As the Amirulhaj and Minister of Religious Affairs, I convey my apology," Minister Nasaruddin Umar said in Mecca on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The peak phase of the pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina has been completed. The Minister stated that this phase generally went well, although there are notes for improvement due to incidents causing discomfort for the pilgrims.
The Minister explained that some hajj participants experienced problems during the arrival phase and the peak of the pilgrimage in Armuzna. For example, there were cases of spouses or elderly parents and their children, or the elderly and their companions being separated in the hotel in Mecca.
There were also pilgrims who faced difficulties in tent placements in Arafah. Furthermore, there were delays in pickup in Muzdalifah due to congestion, with the evacuation process only completed at 09:40 Saudi Arabian time (or 40 minutes behind the targeted finish time of 09:00).
"This congestion and delay in the evacuation process in Muzdalifah were not only experienced by Indonesian hajj pilgrims, but also by other countries using the same taraddudi route," the Minister said.
Despite several difficulties, the Minister agreed with the explanation given by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Taufiq Al Rabiah, and the Vice Governor of Mecca and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, Prince Saud bin Mish'al, that this year's pilgrimage was better organized.
This condition is supported by several improvements in infrastructure facilities, water availability, and health facilities.
"Alhamdulillah, the death toll up to now is also lower. Hopefully, this condition will continue until all hajj pilgrims return to their respective countries," he said.
The operational phase of the 1446 Hijriah/2025 hajj is currently in the repatriation stage to the homeland. The repatriation process for the first wave of hajj pilgrims will take place from June 11 to 25, 2025.
There are 266 flight groups (kloter) that departed in the first wave and landed in Medina. They will be repatriated through King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah.
"Today, I am seeing off the departure of the first wave hajj pilgrims from embarkation 01 Makassar or UPG 01 from their hotel in the Syisah area to Medina. Alhamdulillah, the pilgrims are in good health and happy to have completed all stages of their pilgrimage," the Minister said.
Starting from June 18, 2025, Indonesian hajj pilgrims departing in the second wave will move from Mecca to Medina. They will stay for approximately nine days in the City of the Prophet before returning to the homeland.
The repatriation process for the second wave of hajj pilgrims from Medina will take place from June 26 to July 10, 2025. "To all pilgrims, I advise you to continue to maintain your health and prosperity. Zamzam water will be provided at the embarkation," he said.
Editor's Choice: 40 Days of Hajj: 183 Indonesian Pilgrims Confirmed Dead in Saudi Arabia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Suffers Heavy Defeat 0-6 to Japan in World Cup Qualifiers
13 jam lalu
Japan beat Indonesia in the final match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
40 Days of Hajj: 183 Indonesian Pilgrims Confirmed Dead in Saudi Arabia
14 jam lalu
183 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims were declared dead as of June 9, 2025.
Analyst Highlights Causes of Indonesia's Economic Growth Decline
16 jam lalu
Indonesia's economic growth declined in the first quarter of 2025 which registered only 4.87 percent.
Indonesia vs Japan Lineups: Beckham Putra Gets Starting Nod in Decisive Match
16 jam lalu
The match between Japan and Indonesia will be presented in the final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in the Asian zone.
Kluivert Finalizes Indonesia's 23-Player Lineup to Face Japan in World Cup Qualifier
17 jam lalu
Kluivert dropped seven players from Indonesia's squad, including Rizky Ridho (hamstring injury) and Ivar Jenner (yellow card suspension).
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Readies for Massive Return of Hajj Pilgrims
19 jam lalu
Soekarno-Hatta Airport is ensuring full readiness to facilitate the return of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims which will commence on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Rolex Gifts to National Football Team Funded by Prabowo's Personal Money, Palace Says
20 jam lalu
Palace also added that the value of the Rolex gifts was not comparable to the contribution made by the Indonesian national team.
A Preview of Japan vs Indonesia Match in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
21 jam lalu
The Japan vs Indonesia match in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will take place at the Suita City Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 17:35 WIB.
Raja Ampat Nickel Mining Controversy: Indonesian Govt to Make Decision Today
22 jam lalu
The Indonesian government is set to decide the future of a nickel mining company operating in Raja Ampat today.
ICE Arrests Indonesian Man With Criminal Records in Los Angeles
22 jam lalu
An Indonesian national named Chrissahdah Tooy was arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an operation in Los Angeles.
