inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Saudi Arabian Hajj Pilgrimage Organizers (PPIH) have urged Indonesian Hajj pilgrims not to travel alone and to implement a buddy system with at least three people during their travels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Tulus Widodo, Head of the Pilgrim Protection Section of the PPIH Saudi Arabia for the Mecca Working Area, stated that the system aims to maintain security and anticipate any potential risks for pilgrims and officials in the Holy Land.
"For both officials and pilgrims, ensure every movement is carried out according to the buddy system. In this case, the buddy system is not two; we recommend a minimum of three people," said Tulus, Tuesday (4/28/2026).
He also reminded prospective pilgrims arriving in Mecca to always carry their Nusuk cards when traveling outside their hotels, in line with the tightening of entry regulations by the Saudi Arabian government.
He also urged pilgrims to avoid choosing transportation carelessly and to only use official white or green taxis to reach the Grand Mosque. This is because only authorized vehicles are permitted to enter the mosque area.
"If you use an illegal taxi, you definitely won't be able to enter the restricted area. This could potentially force pilgrims to get off at a location far from the Grand Mosque," said Tulus.
Indonesian Hajj pilgrims currently in Medina will begin departing for Mecca on April 30th to perform the obligatory Umrah and prepare for the culmination of the Hajj at Armuzna.
According to data as of Monday (4/28/2026) at 2:30 PM, 44,985 Hajj pilgrims (116 flight groups) have departed for Saudi Arabia since operations began on April 22nd. Of these, 41,913 people (108 groups) have arrived in Medina.
In 2026, Indonesia will receive a Hajj quota of 221,000 people, consisting of 203,320 regular Hajj pilgrims and 17,680 special Hajj pilgrims.
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