A total of 5,485 prospective Hajj pilgrims from the Banda Aceh Embarkation have departed for Saudi Arabia as of the departure of Group 14 on Tuesday (May 19, 2026). Of the total quota of 5,502 pilgrims, 17 were confirmed to have failed to depart due to death or illness.
The Head of the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) for the Banda Aceh Embarkation, Arijal, said five prospective pilgrims died before entering the Hajj dormitory. Nine others postponed their departure due to illness, while three pilgrims became unfit to fly after arriving at the dormitory.
"Of the quota, 17 pilgrims could not depart due to death or illness," said Arijal.
In the 14th or final group, 390 pilgrims departed for the Holy Land, consisting of 162 men and 228 women. The majority of the pilgrims came from Bener Meriah Regency.
Overall, this year's Aceh Hajj pilgrims embarked for the Hajj pilgrimage, comprising 2,166 men and 3,319 women. Banda Aceh City had the largest number of pilgrims, with 689, followed by Pidie with 571 pilgrims and Aceh Besar with 542 pilgrims. Simeulue had the smallest number, with 27 pilgrims.
Meanwhile, eight pilgrims from Aceh are still undergoing medical treatment. Five are being treated in hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and three are being treated at Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional Hospital in Banda Aceh.
In Saudi Arabia, two pilgrims are still undergoing intensive care at King Abdul Aziz Hospital: Safiruddin from Aceh Besar due to complications from diabetes and Zainab Ibrahim Amin for lumbar and pelvic fractures. Three other pilgrims have reportedly recovered and returned to their accommodation.
Meanwhile, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, two pilgrims remain in intensive care, including a pilgrim from Southeast Aceh who was declared unfit to fly due to heart failure and severe lung problems.
As the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, which takes place in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna), the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Committee (PPIH) urges all pilgrims to maintain their health, get plenty of rest, and follow the instructions of officials while in the Holy Land.
In Group 14, the youngest pilgrim is Muhammad Alfaruq Addawami Bin Ahusama, 15, while the oldest is Maryono Bin Pangat Adam, 95, both from Bener Meriah Regency.[]