WNAM REPORT: Indonesia officially launched its 2026 Hajj pilgrimage on Tuesday, with the first group of 391 pilgrims departing from Jakarta as authorities ensured readiness, compliance and smooth coordination for one of the world’s largest annual religious journeys.
Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf oversaw the send-off of the initial batch at the Jakarta–Pondok Gede embarkation point on Tuesday evening (April 21), marking the start of this year’s nationwide pilgrimage operations.
The group, comprising 391 pilgrims from East Jakarta, departed in stages from the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, where they boarded flights bound for Saudi Arabia.
“Today, we witnessed the first group entering the dormitory fully prepared for departure. This marks the beginning of a long series of Hajj services whose quality must be maintained,” Yusuf said.
He emphasized that all departing pilgrims had fulfilled administrative requirements, particularly securing valid Hajj visas, a key measure to prevent entry issues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
“This is crucial to avoid rejection and ensure pilgrims can complete all rituals without obstacles,” he added.
Yusuf said the government has also prepared contingency measures to handle potential last-minute cancellations, including deploying reserve pilgrims to ensure Indonesia fully utilizes its Hajj quota.
“We will immediately replace those unable to depart due to health or other reasons, so the quota is optimally used,” he said.
Authorities have intensified coordination among the ministry, immigration offices, the police and the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) to ensure a smooth departure process and mitigate disruptions.
He added that PPIH personnel have already been stationed in Medina to receive the first arrivals and facilitate initial services on the ground.
The government will continue monitoring departures closely until all Indonesian pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia safely, he said.
Yusuf also urged pilgrims to maintain their health, follow guidance from group leaders and promptly report any issues to officials during the journey.
He expressed hope that all pilgrims would complete their Hajj safely and return home in good condition.
