TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – As Hajj 2025 approaches, Muchlis M. Hanafi, Head of the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, shared nine vital recommendations for Indonesian pilgrims during a recent coordination meeting with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

These measures are designed to protect the health, safety, and discipline of pilgrims throughout the Hajj rituals.

The nine key instructions for Indonesian pilgrims are as follows:

1. Avoid Leaving Tents During Extreme Heat
   Pilgrims are advised to stay inside their tents especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time when temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius. This precaution aims to reduce risks related to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

2. Stick to the Official Armuzna Movement Schedule
   Each pilgrim must travel according to the schedule assigned to their group or syarikah. Unauthorized or solo movement outside of assigned groups is prohibited to maintain safety and coordination.

3. Use Only the Official Adahi Program for Sacrifices
   All sacrificial rites (dam and qurban) must be carried out exclusively through the official Adahi program managed by the Saudi government. Unauthorized slaughter through unofficial channels or brokers is strictly forbidden.

4. Perform Jumrah Stoning According to Set Timetable
   Pilgrims must follow the official jumrah (stoning) schedule arranged by their group leaders. Deviating from the set times or unsupervised performance is not allowed to ensure order and prevent crowding.

5. Always Carry the Nusuk Identification Card
   The Nusuk card is mandatory for all pilgrims and must be carried at all times. It serves as an essential identification document for access to places like Masjid al-Haram. Officials will verify this to avoid any disruptions.

6. Maintain Personal Health and Hygiene
   To remain healthy throughout the pilgrimage, pilgrims should wear masks, use umbrellas for shade, practice good hand hygiene, and ensure proper nutrition and hydration.

7. Report Facility Issues Through Official Channels
   Pilgrims can report problems with utilities such as electricity, water, or air conditioning via the official hotline at 1966. Hajj officers are tasked with actively informing pilgrims about this service.

8. Group Officers Must Stay with Pilgrims in Tents
   Officers assigned to groups (kloter) must be present at the tents and accessible to pilgrims, ready to provide help or respond in emergencies.

9. Preserve Indonesia’s Positive Reputation
   With Indonesian pilgrims comprising roughly 25% of the global Hajj population, they are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary discipline, obedience, and respect, reinforcing a good image of Indonesia worldwide.

With these guidelines in place, the organizers expect Hajj 2025 to proceed safely, smoothly, and with dignity, allowing Indonesian pilgrims to fulfill their spiritual duties in optimal conditions and represent their nation honorably on the global stage. (*)