TIMES SINGAPORE, MAKASSAR – The Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) has officially begun the return phase of the Hajj 2025 season. The first group of pilgrims to arrive back in the country consisted of 392 pilgrims from Makassar, who were part of Flight Group (Kloter) 1 from the Makassar Debarkation (11/6/2025).

The pilgrims departed from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (AMAA), Madinah, early on Wednesday, June 11 at 03:30 Saudi time, aboard Garuda Indonesia flight GIA1401. The flight landed safely at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar, at 21:48 WITA the same evening.

Upon arrival, the group was immediately escorted to Aula Arafah at the Sudiang Hajj Dormitory in Makassar, where a formal handover ceremony took place between PPIH Makassar Embarkation and the Regional PPIH.

This ceremony marks the official beginning of the repatriation phase for pilgrims from the Makassar Debarkation, which will continue until July 10, 2025.

A Joyful Yet Bittersweet Return

H. Ali Yafid, Head of PPIH Makassar Embarkation, expressed gratitude for the safe arrival of the pilgrims. “Alhamdulillah, the pilgrims of Kloter 1 from Makassar have returned safely and with great joy,” he stated.

However, the return was not without sorrow. Ali Yafid also reported that one pilgrim, Ibu Amirah Tayyimah Daman (68), had passed away in Madinah. “We mourn her passing and pray that she is granted husnul khatimah. Let us recite Al-Fatihah for her,” he said during the welcoming ceremony.

Pilgrims Grateful for Smooth Journey

One of the returning pilgrims, Muhammad Lutfi, shared his appreciation for the smooth return journey. “Alhamdulillah, we returned in good health and are ready to reunite with our families, share stories, and bring home gifts like dates and Zamzam water,” he said with a smile.

This year, PPIH Makassar Embarkation dispatched a total of 15,876 pilgrims and staff members across 41 flight groups from eight eastern provinces of Indonesia. During the pilgrimage, a total of 22 Indonesian pilgrims from this embarkation passed away in the Holy Land.

The government continues to monitor the return process closely to ensure all remaining pilgrims of Hajj 2025 are brought back safely and with dignity. The emotional welcome of Kloter 1 sets a hopeful and reflective tone for the next waves of arriving pilgrims over the coming weeks. (*)