Hajj Pilgrims Begin to Move to Mecca

The first wave of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims began moving to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, from Medina.

KOMPAS/EVY RACHMAWATI

The first batch of Hajj pilgrims arrived in the city of Mecca from Medina, Saudi Arabia, on Monday (20/5/2024).

MEKKAH, KOMPAS — The first wave of Indonesian hajj pilgrims began moving from Medina to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to carry out the obligatory Umrah, as part of the hajj pilgrimage series, on Monday (20/5/2024). The departure of the congregation was carried out in stages.

According to the Head of the Mecca Working Area Khalilurrahman, during the reception of the arrival of pilgrims at the Al Ghadeer Hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the total number of pilgrims who arrived in Mecca on Monday was 3,425 people who departed using 85 buses.

As soon as they got off the bus, the Kloter 1 pilgrims were greeted by the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee together with masyariq or third parties who provide services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. The elderly pilgrims are assisted by Hajj officers to walk or use wheelchairs to get to the hotel.

Also read: Prospective Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Begin Departing for the Holy Land

The pilgrims were warmly welcomed upon their arrival at Al Ghadeer Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Indonesian Hajj pilgrims received gifts in the form of flowers, chocolates, candies, typical Saudi Arabian cakes, dates, and zam-zam water. Several pilgrims appeared touched by the warm welcome.

KOMPAS/EVY RACHMAWATI

The welcoming atmosphere for the arrival of the first batch of Hajj pilgrims at the Al Ghadeer Hotel, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday (20/5/2024).

Mayor of Kerja Madinah, Ali Machzumi, released 10 buses carrying Indonesian hajj pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah. The pilgrim buses departed from a hotel in Madinah on Monday (20/5/2024) at 05.00 Saudi Arabian time. For the inaugural departure, there were 392 pilgrims from Group 1 of the Jakarta-Pondok Gede Embarkation.

The first batch of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who have been in Medina for nine days starting Monday are gradually departing for Mecca to carry out the obligatory Umrah. Previously, they took a miqat makani (place) for ihram at the Dzilhulaifah Mosque or called Bir Ali.

Congregants who have just arrived need to anticipate hot weather by drinking lots of water, using umbrellas and avoiding the hot sun.

According to Ali, in a written statement, the group is the first batch of hajj pilgrims who arrived in Medina on May 12, 2024, with a total of 393 people. However, during the departure to Mecca, one pilgrim fell ill and was treated at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic in Medina. The pilgrim will be sent off later.

"There are 3,425 pilgrims who are members of the first eight flight groups and were sent to Mecca by bus," said Widi Dwinanda, a member of the Media Center Team of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, when delivering an official statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta on Monday (20/5/2024).

KOMPAS/EVY RACHMAWATI

An elderly pilgrim uses a wheelchair when he arrives in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday (20/5/2024).

The bus is scheduled to arrive at the hotel four hours before departure to Mecca. Since the bus carrying pilgrims is only allowed to stop for 15-30 minutes at Bir Ali, the pilgrims are urged to wear ihram cloths, bathe, and perform ablution at the hotel to save time, then perform optional prayers and intention of umrah at Bir Ali.

Elderly friendly

"For pilgrims who are not in good health, elderly, and disabled, it is recommended not to get off the bus. The intention of performing Umrah can be done on the bus upon arriving in Bir Ali," said Widi. As the travel time to Mecca takes up to five hours, hajj pilgrims are advised to prepare themselves by maintaining their physical stamina and health.

According to Khalilurrahman, elderly pilgrims are placed on the ground floor and near the hotel's elevator. Special menus for the elderly are also prepared. "New pilgrims must anticipate the hot weather by drinking lots of water, using umbrellas, and avoiding direct sunlight. They should also travel in groups," he said.

Also read: Mecca Prepares to Welcome Hajj Pilgrims

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Yusron B Ambary, reminded hajj pilgrims to maintain their stamina as the time for the hajj implementation is still far away.

Hajj pilgrims are also required to follow local regulations, including not taking photos indiscriminately, unfurling banners or certain flags, and smoking in prohibited areas.