To Maintain Pilgrims' Health, Ministry of Hajj Bans City Tours Before Hajj Peak

Ahead of the peak phase of Hajj in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna), the government is tightening regulations for Indonesian pilgrims' activities in the Holy Land. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed all pilgrims to focus on maintaining their physical and mental condition to be ready for the main Hajj rituals.

Through its latest policy, the Ministry prohibits Indonesian prospective pilgrims from undertaking city tours or ziyarah (visits to religious sites) before the entire Armuzna sequence is completed.

Ministry Spokesperson Ichsan Marsha stated this policy aims to protect pilgrims from exhaustion before entering the most crucial phase of the Hajj.

"This prohibition isn't to restrict pilgrims' activities, but as a protective measure to prevent fatigue and ensure pilgrims remain focused on preparing for the Armuzna phase," said Ichsan Marsha in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Through a recent circular, the Ministry instructed pilgrims and Hajj guides from Hajj Organizing Committees (KBIHU) not to arrange or facilitate any travel agendas outside Madinah or Makkah before all Armuzna rites conclude.

The government also requested Hajj guides to prioritize pilgrims' preparation regarding physical, mental, and spiritual readiness, as well as understanding Hajj rituals (manasik) ahead of the standing at Arafah (wukuf).

"The government wants to ensure all pilgrims can perform the peak of Hajj safely, healthily, and solemnly," Ichsan stated.

Furthermore, all pilgrim movements must be reported and coordinated with official personnel like PPIH kloter (groups), the Pilgrim Protection division, or related sectors to maintain security and order during Hajj operations.

As of May 6, 2026, Indonesia's Hajj operation has dispatched 267 kloter (groups), totaling 103,690 pilgrims and 1,064 officials to the Holy Land.

From this number, 258 kloter with 100,125 pilgrims have arrived in Madinah, while 109 kloter with 42,340 pilgrims are already in Makkah to perform the mandatory Umrah and prepare for the peak Hajj rituals.

The Ministry reiterated its warning against Traveling to Saudi Arabia using non-Hajj visas.

The government emphasized only official Hajj visas are permitted for Hajj performance. Using tourist visas, ziyarah visas, or Umrah Visas for Hajj violates Saudi Arabian government regulations.

Besides administrative compliance, pilgrims are also urged to maintain their health while in the Holy Land.

The government advised pilgrims to increase water intake, use protective gear like umbrellas and hats, limit excessive physical activity, and immediately report any health issues to medical officers.