TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – A total of 20,455 Indonesian pilgrims divided into 53 batches (kloter) have been departed from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia to do hajj routines. This number only includes the pilgrims and does not include the accompanying group personnel. 

These pilgrims arrived at the Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport (AMAA) in Madinah. It was explained by the Head of the Planning Bureau of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ramadhan Harisman, during the Press Conference about the Implementation of Hajj Routine 1444H/2023M, held at the Hajj Dormitory in Pondok Gede, Jakarta on Saturday (27/5/2023).

The pilgrims will stay in Madinah for approximately nine days. Ramadhan advised elderly pilgrims not to force themselves to join congregational prayers in the Masjid Nabawi if their physical condition does not support the routine. 

Pilgrims can also perform prayers at their hotels to avoid exhaustion. If they wish to engage in worship outside their accommodation or visit Madinah, pilgrims are encouraged to use personal protective equipment due to the hot weather.

The Hajj Organizer Officials (PPIH) urged pilgrims to ensure that their rooms are locked before they leave the hotel. It was also advised to leave the room keys at the hotel reception before leaving.

Ramadhan also mentioned that as of the fifth day of operations, there were 21 pilgrims receiving medical treatment in Madinah. Thirteen pilgrims were being treated at the KKHI Madinah, while eight pilgrims were hospitalized at the Saudi Arabian Hospital in Madinah.

Additionally, there was one pilgrim who passed away on the fifth day of operations. The data regarding the deceased pilgrim during the 1444H/2023M hajj season is as follows:

1. Suprapto Tarlim Kerto Wijoyo, Batch SOC-03, Died on May 25, 2023, at KKHI Madinah.

It was expected that all the pilgrims will stay fit and healthy while doing their hajj routine in Saudi Arabia. And TIMES Indonesia will keep updating the Indonesian pilgrims for the rest of their time in the country. (*)