Indonesia Urges 2027 Hajj Pilgrims to Prioritize Health Preparations

HOLOPIS.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has urged prospective 1448 H/2027 Hajj pilgrims not to overlook their health preparations, warning that physical fitness will be an important factor in determining whether they can proceed with their departure to the Holy Land.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf made the remarks while opening the 2026 National Grand Hajj Manasik Kick-Off at Wilis Stadium in Madiun, East Java, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

According to Irfan, Hajj requires strong physical condition because pilgrims will undertake a series of rituals involving high levels of activity, extensive mobility, and weather conditions different from those in Indonesia.

“Health is equally important. Hajj requires excellent physical condition. Since we still have around six to seven months, I hope pilgrims will start preparing their health and physical condition from now,” the minister said, as quoted by Holopis.com on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.

The warning comes after some prospective pilgrims in previous Hajj seasons were unable to continue with their departure after being deemed medically unfit. Irfan said around 345 prospective pilgrims had to be sent home after undergoing another health examination upon arriving at Hajj departure dormitories.

The situation has drawn attention because the prospective pilgrims had already gone through various stages of preparation before arriving at the Hajj dormitories. However, health examinations remained one of the determining factors before they could depart for Saudi Arabia.

“We do not want you to experience something like that. You have made preparations and arrived at the Hajj dormitory, but then you cannot continue your departure because of your health condition. That is why preparations must begin now,” he said.

Prospective pilgrims are therefore encouraged not to wait until their departure date approaches before working on their fitness. With around six to seven months remaining, health preparations can be carried out gradually.

Irfan also encouraged prospective pilgrims to start getting accustomed to physical activity, including regular walking.

Such training is intended to build endurance before pilgrims undertake the Hajj rituals, which require extensive mobility in Saudi Arabia.

“Start exercising today. Make it a habit to walk every day. We have to prepare ourselves because conditions in Saudi Arabia also require good physical endurance,” he said.

Physical preparation is part of pilgrims’ overall readiness. Hajj training, or manasik, is not only about understanding the procedures of worship but also about preparing pilgrims to cope with conditions during their stay in the Holy Land.

The minister called for greater emphasis on health in Hajj training sessions. He said the material should go beyond the pillars, obligations, and recommended practices of Hajj.