Madinah, April 23, 2026 — The 1447 Hijri/2026 Hajj season for Indonesian pilgrims has officially begun, as the first batch of pilgrims safely arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport on Wednesday morning (April 22, 2026).
This initial arrival marks the start of Indonesia’s Hajj operational phase for the year. The first groups consisted of pilgrims from Yogyakarta Embarkation (YIA 1) and Jakarta–Pondok Gede Embarkation (JKG 1), forming the opening wave of Indonesian pilgrims heading to the Holy Land.
Upon arrival in Madinah, the pilgrims are scheduled to stay for several days to perform prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, including visits to the revered Rawdah area, before continuing their journey to Makkah for the core Hajj rituals.
Beginning of Indonesia’s 2026 Hajj Operations
The arrival of the first batch signals the commencement of a crucial phase in Indonesia’s Hajj organization, encompassing the gradual arrival of pilgrims, accommodation arrangements, transportation logistics, and religious guidance services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
As in previous years, Madinah serves as the initial destination for many pilgrims, offering an opportunity to engage in spiritual preparation before proceeding to the main Hajj rites in Makkah.
Pilgrim Services and Preparations
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has prepared comprehensive services to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of pilgrims. These include healthcare support, catering, transportation, and on-site religious assistance provided by Hajj officers.
Close coordination with Saudi authorities has also been carried out to facilitate smooth airport processing, including immigration procedures and transportation to designated accommodations.
Gradual Arrival of Pilgrims
Following the first batch, Indonesian pilgrims will continue to arrive in stages from various embarkation points across the country. Hundreds of thousands are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia over multiple waves leading up to the peak of Hajj in Arafah.
This moment marks the beginning of a profound spiritual journey, as millions of Muslims from around the world gather in the Holy Land to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam.