JOGJA PORTAL – The Saudi Arabian government is imposing tighter controls on access to the Holy City of Mecca, including for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. In response to this, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) appealed to pilgrims not to travel alone and to start implementing a companion system or buddy system during their activities.
Head of the Daker Makkah Congregation Protection Section (Linjam), Tulus Widodo, emphasized that every movement, both by the congregation and officers, should be carried out in groups with a minimum of three people.
“Make sure every activity is carried out with a buddy system. Not just two people, but at least three people to make it safer,” he said in Mecca, Tuesday (28/4/2026).
According to Tulus, this step is a form of anticipation of various risks that could occur in the field, ranging from getting lost to other potential security disturbances. By moving in small groups, the congregation is expected to be able to look after and help each other.
Apart from that, he also reminded pilgrims who had just arrived from Medina to always carry their Nusuk Cards when doing activities outside the hotel. This card is an important form of identification that must be shown when needed by officers. “Don’t leave the hotel without carrying a Nusuk Card. This is mandatory,” he stressed.
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Tulus also highlighted the importance of using official transportation when going to the Grand Mosque. He reminded the congregation not to be tempted to use unofficial taxis or “illegal taxis” which risk dropping passengers at locations far from the mosque area.
“Use official taxis, usually white or green. If you use unofficial taxis, the congregation can be dropped off far from the Grand Mosque and that will be difficult, especially for the elderly,” he explained.
By implementing these increasingly strict rules, PPIH hopes that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims can carry out their worship more safely, orderly and comfortably while in the Holy Land. ***
