Indonesia Begins 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage with First Group Departure
The initial group traveled from Jakarta's Hajj Dormitory to Soekarno-Hatta Airport for their 12:45 AM flight to Medina, Bernama reported.
Comprising 171 male and 222 female pilgrims, this group represents the first of 7,514 Indonesians scheduled to depart Friday from various embarkation points nationwide.
A pre-departure ceremony held Thursday was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, and Deputy Parliament Speaker Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal.
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Hilman Latief, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management, advised pilgrims who entered dormitories Wednesday to perform their religious duties sincerely. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement of entry rules this year, cautioning against unauthorized travel services.
“Beware of individuals or organisations offering undocumented services. These may lead to fraud or legal issues,” Hilman warned in an official statement.
Indonesia plans to send 221,000 pilgrims this Hajj season, including 203,320 regular pilgrims and 17,680 under special arrangements. The phased departures will continue from multiple Indonesian cities in coming weeks.
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Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially able Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once during their lifetime.
The annual pilgrimage is regarded as one of the pillars of Islam and the largest act of mass pilgrimage in the world.
It is also a demonstration of Muslims’ unity and their submission to Allah.
Source: Agencies
