A Probolinggo Regency Haji Candidate Dies in the Holy Land

Officials are processing the death of a prospective haji from Probolinggo Regency in the Holy Land of Mecca, Thursday, May 14 Saudi Arabia Time (WAS). (Antara - Probolinggo Information Office)

PROBOLINGGO - A prospective pilgrim on behalf of Asraf bin Sudami from Kramat Agung Village, Probolinggo Regency, East Java, who was included in flight group (kloter) 1, was reported to have died in the Holy Land on Thursday at around 02.30 Saudi Arabian Time (WAS).

The 65-year-old Hajj candidate is included in the NU KBIHU West Probolinggo Regency and is included in the high-risk (risti) category of pilgrims (istithaah) with medication assistance.

"The deceased is known to have a history of diabetes and cholesterol," said Acting Head of the Probolinggo Regency Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office, Ervin Syarif Arifin, as reported by Antara.

He said his party had received an official report regarding the death of the prospective haji from Bantaran District and the deceased had undergone intensive treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia after experiencing health problems since May 11, 2026.

"Based on the report from the Indonesian Medical Mission, the deceased was admitted to King Abdul Aziz Hospital on May 11, 2026 with complaints of shortness of breath and fever. In the morning his condition also decreased consciousness so the doctor advised referral to a hospital in Saudi Arabia," he said.

Upon arrival at the hospital in Saudi Arabia, the patient immediately received medical treatment and was treated in the ICU, then the next day on Tuesday (12/5), the patient was put on a ventilator because of respiratory failure.

"The deceased's health condition continued to worsen on Wednesday (13/5) until he was finally declared dead on May 14, 2026 at 02.30 WAS," he said.

Even though he had undergone intensive treatment, the deceased had previously performed a mandatory umrah once about seven days before his death.

He explained that the entire administrative process for the death of the prospective haji had been handled by officers at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI).

In addition, the deceased's wife, who also accompanied the hajj, had seen the body and followed the funeral prayer procession at the Grand Mosque, Mecca. "The officers have taken care of all the administration at the KKHI and the deceased's wife has also seen the body and followed the funeral prayer process at the Grand Mosque," he said.

Ervin hopes that the families left behind will be given fortitude and sincerity for the disaster.

"Hopefully, the wives and families left behind will be given fortitude and sincerity. May the deceased be husnul khotimah and get the best place by the side of Allah SWT," he said.

Regarding the deceased's haj rights, his party ensured that the haj badal process would be carried out by the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH).

Meanwhile, luggage in the form of large and small suitcases will still be handed over to his wife who went on the haj with the late.