TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – As the peak of the Hajj season approaches, the Indonesian Hajj 2025 pilgrims are being advised to pay close attention to their travel schedules especially when it comes to boarding and returning from the Shalawat buses.

As you know the bus has become the official transportation service that connects pilgrims’ hotels to the Masjidil Haram in Makkah.

Indonesia has deployed 445 Shalawat buses this year to serve its pilgrims. These buses stop at 95 designated bus stops located near hotels spread across four major areas: Syisyah, Raudhah, Jarwal, and Misfalah.

To reduce confusion and ensure smooth transit, each pilgrim is given a special bus card that matches the route number of their accommodation. For example, pilgrims staying at a hotel on route 12 will carry a card marked with the number 12.

There are three major terminal points near the Masjidil Haram where the Shalawat buses drop off and pick up Indonesian pilgrims.

1. Syib Amir Terminal – serves those staying in Syisyah and Raudhah
2. Ajyad Terminal – serves pilgrims from the Misfalah area
3. Jabal Ka'bah Terminal – serves those living in the Jarwal area

Avoiding Congestion: A Matter of Timing

Muchlis M Hanafi, Head of the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, urged Indonesian pilgrims to carefully plan their departure and return times to and from the Masjidil Haram.

This advisory comes as worship activity intensifies in Makkah, especially ahead of the climactic Hajj rituals — wukuf in Arafah, overnight stay in Muzdalifah, and stoning of the jumrah in Mina.

“The number of worshippers is extremely high, especially around prayer times. We encourage pilgrims to adjust their schedules in coordination with their hotel and avoid peak hours to reduce crowding at bus stops," Muchlis said.

To secure a spot inside the mosque, Muchlis recommended leaving well before the prayer call.

Entering the mosque earlier not only increases the chance of praying under a roof away from the intense desert heat but also gives pilgrims time to prepare themselves spiritually before the prayer begins.

On the way back, Muchlis suggested not rushing to leave immediately after prayer. Instead, he advised pilgrims to stay for about an hour, using the time to engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) or to rest.

“The bus stops will be much less crowded by then, making the return journey more comfortable," he explained.

Bus Routes and Safety

Another critical reminder from PPIH is for pilgrims to always check the route number of their bus before boarding. Boarding the wrong bus could mean ending up in the wrong part of the city — a stressful and unnecessary setback in the middle of a spiritual journey.

By following these recommendations, Indonesian pilgrims can maximize their comfort, maintain their health, and focus on their worship without being burdened by logistical stress.

In Hajj 2025 where millions of people from all corners of the globe converge in a single holy city, timing and awareness make all the difference. "Planning your time wisely is part of preparing your soul for the Hajj itself," the guy ended. (*)