Indonesian Pilgrim Fatalities Rise to 129 as Hajj Peak Approaches

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Health reports that 129 pilgrims have died during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. This cumulative figure spans from May 2, the start of Hajj rituals, to June 3, 2025.

Liliek Marhaendro Susilo, Head of the Health Ministry's Hajj Health Center, explained that the majority of deaths were attributed to pneumonia, often complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Other causes included acute ischemic heart disease and cardiogenic shock.

As of today, Liliek noted that 151 pilgrims are currently hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. "Cumulatively, 984 pilgrims have been ill and received hospital treatment," he told Tempo on Tuesday night, June 3, 2025.

Liliek urged pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, to consistently use personal protective equipment like masks, umbrellas, sunglasses, and appropriate footwear. He also advised drinking small amounts of water or Zamzam water, up to 2 liters daily, and taking oral rehydration solution once a day to prevent dehydration.

To prepare for a potential increase in pilgrims collapsing during the Hajj peak, Liliek said that several health posts have been established in Arafah and Mina. "InshaAllah, the Arafah health posts will begin operations on 8 Dhul Hijjah 1446 Hijri," he said.

This year's Hajj pilgrimage sees a total of 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims participating, comprising 203,320 regular Hajj participants and 17,680 special Hajj participants. The pinnacle of the Hajj rituals is set to commence with the pilgrims' departure to Arafah on 8 Dhul Hijjah 1446 H, which falls today, June 4, 2025.

Kamaruddin Amin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, detailed two crucial pilgrim movement schemes, Murur and Tanazul, designed to alleviate congestion, particularly in Muzdalifah and Mina. The Murur scheme involves pilgrims traveling from Arafah by bus, merely passing through Muzdalifah without disembarking. These pilgrims will then proceed directly to Mina to perform the stoning of the devil ritual and the mabit (overnight stay).

This Murur scheme will be selectively implemented, primarily for elderly pilgrims and individuals with disabilities. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 pilgrims will participate in the Murur scheme this year.

Tanazul, conversely, allows for an early return to Mecca hotels after completing the Aqabah stoning, aiming to alleviate overcrowding in Mina tents.

"Around 30,000 individuals, particularly from the Syisyah and Raudhah sectors, are scheduled to follow tanazul. Those who perform the stoning of the devil on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah will not return to the tents in Mina, but will proceed directly back to their respective hotels," Kamaruddin said as reported by Antara on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

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