First Hajj Flight Group Arrives at Medina

The Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh welcomes the first flight group of pilgrims at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, Medina, Saturday (6/7). (Photo by: Ministry of Religion Affairs’ Hajj Media Center).

The first flight group of pilgrims from Surabaya Embarkation point has arrived safely at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, Medina, Saturday (6/7) at around 09.00 a.m. (local time).

Their arrival was welcomed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh and Hajj Executive Committee (PPIH) officers. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help because it is our duty to serve you,” Agus said.

According to Ministry of Religion Affairs’ Hajj Media Center, the arrival process of the pilgrims took place quite quickly because they did not need to wait for their luggage. After the welcoming ceremony, the pilgrims were immediately directed to the pavilion to wait for the bus that would transport them to the hotel.

Based on data from the Ministry, from 449 pilgrims, 2 of them used walking sticks and 8 others used wheelchairs. The oldest pilgrim in this flight group is Sukinah (93 years old).

The PPIH officers worked together to serve the pilgrims on the site. Some of the officers help them to wear surgical masks and others assist the pilgrims in wheelchair to go to the pavilion.

One of the pilgrims from Magetan, Siti Maesaroh (57 years old) said she was happy to have arrived in the Holy City. The middle-aged woman who is still active as a principal of a junior high school in Magetan departed for Medina with her husband after waiting for nine years. “Alhamdulillah (thank God), the trip was comfortable. I don’t feel tired,” she said.

After the immigration process, the pilgrims boarded a bus that took them to Ishraq Al-Bustan Hotel in sector 3, the hotel where they will stay at during their stay in Medina. (MCH Kemenag/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Mia Medyana