Indonesian Hajj Officials Urge Diligence After Pilgrim's Death

Indonesian Hajj oversight officials have voiced deep concern and regret following the death of Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, a 72-year-old Indonesian pilgrim from the JKG-27 contingent, who was reported missing in Saudi Arabia. Firdaus was found deceased on May 22nd in the Jabal Kudai hills, approximately 2.5 kilometers from his lodging in the Misfalah area.

Marwan Dasopang, a member of the Hajj Oversight Team and Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, described the situation as "heartbreaking and regrettable." He suggested that negligence may have played a role in Firdaus's death. "We are concerned and saddened that a pilgrim went missing and was found dead. If it relates to human life, it feels as if it was neglected. We have deployed trained officials here," Dasopang stated in Mecca on Saturday night.

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We are concerned and saddened that a pilgrim went missing and was found dead. If it relates to human life, it feels as if it was neglected. We have deployed trained officials here.

Dasopang stressed that while death itself is not preventable, death resulting from negligence is unacceptable. He highlighted the potential for pilgrims, especially the elderly, to become lost in the massive crowds at pilgrimage sites like Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. "Don't let the elderly be left to move on their own. They cannot ask, cannot read, and even their ability to move is limited. This must not happen, especially tomorrow. Because in Arafah the atmosphere is like a sea of people, as is Muzdalifah. The same goes for Mina towards Jamarat. This must be handled carefully, with all nodes of officials activated so that no pilgrims get lost," he urged.

The oversight team's call for increased diligence aims to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. They are urging Hajj officials to be more attentive in identifying pilgrims who require assistance, particularly the elderly and those with mobility or communication challenges, to ensure their safety throughout the Hajj journey.

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Don't let the elderly be left to move on their own. They cannot ask, cannot read, and even their ability to move is limited. This must not happen, especially tomorrow. Because in Arafah the atmosphere is like a sea of people, as is Muzdalifah. The same goes for Mina towards Jamarat. This must be handled carefully, with all nodes of officials activated so that no pilgrims get lost.