Inp.polri.go.id - Mecca.   The Ministry of Religious Affairs clarified on Saturday (7/6/2025) the delay in transporting pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Mina during the recent Hajj period.

Hilman Latief, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah, explained that the main causes were inconsistent bus schedules and severe traffic congestion. 

“Because buses were delayed, some pilgrims decided to open the Muzdalifah gate and walk to Mina spontaneously,” Hilman said, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

This unplanned walking caused further traffic jams and discomfort among fatigued pilgrims.

The Ministry coordinated with Saudi authorities to speed up bus deployment and provide logistical aid, including water, snacks, and shade. By 9.40 am Saudi time, all Indonesian pilgrims were evacuated, about 40 minutes later than planned.

Hilman expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support and apologized for the inconvenience experienced by the pilgrims.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)