12 Kloter Haji Pulang, Kemenhaj Remind Pilgrims Not to Bring Zamzam in Koper

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah noted that as of Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10.00 WIB, a total of 12 flight groups or clusters had been sent from Saudi Arabia to the country. (IST)

JAKARTA - The phase of the return of Indonesian pilgrims has begun. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah noted that as of Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10.00 WIB, a total of 12 flight groups or clusters had been sent from Saudi Arabia to the country.

Ministry of Religion spokesperson Maria Assegaff said that the repatriation of pilgrims was carried out in stages through King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah. On the same day, a total of 17 clusters were scheduled to return to Indonesia.

"As of 10.00 WIB, a total of 12 clusters have been sent to Indonesia with a total of 3,479 pilgrims and 36 officers," said Maria in Jakarta, Monday (1/6/2026).

According to Maria, the return phase is an important stage after the pilgrims complete the main series of the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi Hajj. The government, he said, accompanies the movement of pilgrims from the hotel, travel to the airport, baggage inspection, to the flight to the country.

He admitted that there were still a number of notes in the field. However, all inputs will be used as material for evaluation to improve the next hajj service.

"Of course there are some notes in the field. This is the material for our evaluation so that the service to the congregation in the future will be more optimal," said Maria.

In this return phase, the Ministry of Religion asks pilgrims to pay attention to their belongings. Passports, identity cards, personal medications, important documents, and travel needs must be stored in a safe and easily accessible place.

The Ministry of Religion also reminded pilgrims to comply with the rules on the weight and type of luggage. One of the things that was emphasized again was the prohibition of carrying zamzam water in luggage or cabin bags.

"We reiterate to all pilgrims not to put zamzam water in luggage or cabin bags. Putting zamzam water in a suitcase is a violation of flight rules and can disrupt the smooth process of baggage inspection at the airport," said Maria.

Maria ensures that pilgrims do not need to bring zamzam themselves from Saudi Arabia. Each pilgrim will receive 1 gallon of zamzam water containing 5 liters at each debarkation after arriving in Indonesia.

"Zamzam water has been prepared through official mechanisms. Each pilgrim will receive 1 gallon containing 5 liters at each debarkation. So, there is no need to bring zamzam in a suitcase," he said.

Apart from luggage, the Ministry of Religion asked pilgrims to maintain their health while waiting for their return schedule. The weather in Mecca is still hot. Pilgrims are asked to drink enough, eat regularly, rest, and wear a headgear or umbrella when they leave the hotel.

Elderly, disabled, women, and high-risk health pilgrims are also asked not to force themselves to perform additional prayers if their bodies are not able to.

Maria asked the cluster leader, group leader, team leader, family, and fellow congregation members to take care of each other until the entire return process was completed.

"We express our appreciation to all Indonesian pilgrims. We also apologize if there are still shortcomings during the implementation of the hajj," said Maria.