Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Walk To Mina, Ministry Of Religion Reveals The Cause

Pilgrims from various countries, including Indonesia, walk beside rows of buses that cannot move because they are stuck in traffic jams in Muzdalifah (ANTARA).

The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) explained the cause of delays in the evacuation of the 2025 Hajj pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Mina. This condition resulted in some pilgrims deciding to walk due to late pick-up buses arriving.

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion, Hilman Latief, said that several factors were the main causes of this condition.

1. Bus Schedule and Turnover Not According to Plan

According to Hilman, the schedule for bus departures from Muzdalifah was disrupted starting at 00.00 Saudi Arabia (WAS) due to long queues of thousands of buses. This caused the congregation to worry and fatigue to wait in a physical condition that was tired after wukuf in Arafah.

2. Congregants Start Walking Without Coordination

As a result of the delay in the bus, the congregation opened the door to Muzdalifah independently and chose to walk to Mina. "This creates a spontaneous flow of motion without control," Hilman said in his statement, Sunday, June 8.

In fact, on Friday morning June 6, the flow of pedestrians became increasingly massive because of the concern that the congregation would not be picked up until noon. This condition adds to the congestion on the main route that the shuttle bus should use.

3. Elderly And High Risk Pilgrims Asked To Wait For Buses

Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organizers (PPIH) finally let some pilgrims walk. However, they still urge the elderly and high risk (cryssion) to wait for pick-up, to prevent fatigue and health risks.

4. Emergency Steps and Saudi Aid

PPIH immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia (Kemenhaj) and local partners since 03.12 WAS to accelerate bus shipments and logistical assistance. Four containers of assistance in the form of drinking water, snacks, and heat protection arrived at 08.50 WAS," explained Hilman.

5. Evacuation of the congregation finished at 09.40 WAS

Although the evacuation target from Muzdalifah to Mina was 09.00 WAS, this process was successfully completed 40 minutes later, namely at 09.40 WAS. Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have been transferred from Muzdalifah.

Hilman apologized for the inconvenience that occurred, and appreciated the quick response from the Saudi government in dealing with the situation on the ground.

"Mitigation measures and intensive coordination have succeeded in minimizing the greater impact," said Hilman.