Previous

1 / 6

Saudi personnel deliver efficient, human-centered pilgrim services in Makassar, Indonesia. (SPA)

2 / 6

Saudi personnel deliver efficient, human-centered pilgrim services in Makassar, Indonesia. (SPA)

3 / 6

Saudi personnel deliver efficient, human-centered pilgrim services in Makassar, Indonesia. (SPA)

4 / 6

Indonesian pilgrim Desta Ayoninig could not hold back her tears as she recalled her father’s passing just 12 days before the Hajj season. (SPA)

5 / 6

After 15 years of saving, Indonesian pilgrim Kaher begins his Hajj journey with his family via the Makkah Route initiative. (SPA)

6 / 6

Indonesian pilgrim Hajjah Khairiyah highlighted that the organization and facilitation of Hajj services in Indonesia have undergone a qualitative leap, particularly praising the Makkah Route initiative. (SPA)Next

Updated 05 May 2026 16:19

Arab News

May 05, 2026

• Tech-driven program streamlines travel for 221,000 heading to the Kingdom
• Makkah Route initiative is available for the first time for pilgrims departing from Makassar, South Sulawesi

RIYADH: Indonesia continues its Hajj flights with expanded access to the Makkah Route, as Saudi authorities have added a new major Indonesian airport to the flagship initiative that streamlines immigration procedures for pilgrims.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, will send 221,000 pilgrims this year to perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam.

With the Hajj expected to begin on May 25, special pilgrimage flights from Indonesia began on April 22 and are scheduled to run until May 21.

This year, the Makkah Route initiative is available for the first time for pilgrims departing from Makassar, South Sulawesi. It is the fourth Indonesian city to join the program, after Jakarta, Solo, and Surabaya.

The initiative, powered by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, uses an integrated system of smart technologies to streamline procedures and deliver high-quality services in an efficient operational environment, with active participation from Saudi personnel.

A key component of the initiative is the mobile counter, which enables pilgrims to complete procedures inside airport terminals.

It facilitates biometric data collection and passport verification, ensuring a smooth process, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Saudi staff combine expertise and human care, guiding pilgrims throughout the process to ensure a comfortable and reassuring start to their journey.

An Indonesian pilgrim, Kaher, told the Saudi Press Agency that his journey toward Hajj took about 15 years, during which he worked in agriculture and regularly set aside part of his income despite his limited means.

This year, he was able to fulfill the requirements for the pilgrimage, marking a moment that reflects years of perseverance and discipline. He arrived with his family through the Makkah Route initiative.

Kaher expressed his appreciation for the comprehensive care provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, commending the high level of organization and streamlined procedures that help create a safe and orderly environment, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

Despite financial hardship, another Indonesian pilgrim, Desta Ayoninig, was able to begin her Hajj journey through the Makkah Route initiative, supported by her 14-year-old brother, who contributed financially to make it possible.

At the initiative lounge in Surabaya, while completing travel procedures, an emotional moment occurred when Desta could not hold back her tears, recalling her father’s passing just 12 days before the Hajj season. He had been preparing for this journey with great eagerness but passed away before fulfilling his dream.

The pilgrim expressed her gratitude for the facilities provided through the initiative, which helped ease travel procedures for performing Hajj rituals and alleviated part of her hardship, expressing hope that Allah would grant her a smooth and healthy Hajj journey.

Another pilgrim, Hajjah Khairiyah, highlighted that the organization of Hajj services in Indonesia has seen a significant improvement, particularly praising the Makkah Route initiative.

She noted that by streamlining procedures in the country of departure and reducing waiting times upon arrival in the Kingdom, the initiative offers pilgrims a smoother and more comfortable journey, allowing them to begin their rituals with peace of mind.

The Ministry of Interior continues the implementation of the initiative for its eighth consecutive year, expanding the service to 17 entry points across 10 countries.

Indonesia is among 10 Muslim-majority countries — including Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkiye, Cote d’Ivoire, Maldives, Senegal, and Brunei Darussalam — where Saudi Arabia operates the initiative.

The initiative is designed to provide a seamless, high-quality Hajj experience by completing all entry procedures in pilgrims’ home countries. This includes the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, passport control, and verification of health requirements at departure airports.

Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia, allowing pilgrims to board dedicated buses upon arrival in Makkah and Madinah without waiting at baggage claim.

The initiative is implemented in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, as well as other government entities. Since its launch in 2017, it has served 1,254,994 pilgrims.

source https://www.arabnews.com/node/2642420/saudi-arabia