Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Medina, Express Joy at Mosque Proximity

The first contingent of Indonesian pilgrims for the second wave of Hajj has arrived in Medina, Saudi Arabia, bringing a wave of joy and spiritual anticipation. The group, comprising the first cluster from Jakarta (JKG 18), landed on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 15:45 WAS (19:45 WIB).

Upon arrival at the Grand Almadina Hotel, the pilgrims received a warm welcome, including a rose and Zamzam water. Their faces lit up with smiles, especially when meeting Indonesian Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, with many eager to take photos. The sound of religious chants inside the hotel further amplified their happiness.

Hotel staff efficiently managed the pilgrims' luggage, delivering suitcases directly to their rooms. This seamless process contributed to the pilgrims' overwhelming sense of gratitude. "It's hard to describe, I never thought I would reach the Holy Land. Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful and will go to the Prophet's Mosque soon," shared Wayin Pramudya, 46, from Way Kanan, Lampung.

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It's hard to describe, I never thought I would reach the Holy Land. Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful and will go to the Prophet's Mosque soon.

Many pilgrims were pleasantly surprised by the hotel's location, noting its extreme proximity to the Prophet's Mosque. "We didn't expect the hotel to be this close to the Prophet's Mosque," said a pilgrim from JKG 18, highlighting that the distance to Gate 339 of the mosque was less than 100 meters.

Deputy Minister Simanjuntak personally assisted elderly pilgrims, escorting one in a wheelchair to the fourth floor. He urged all pilgrims to prioritize their health after completing the Armuzna rituals. Meanwhile, the Prophet's Mosque is already filling with Hajj pilgrims from around the world.

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We didn't expect the hotel to be this close to the Prophet's Mosque.