TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung administration officially sent off 1,181 Hajj pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage season during a ceremony at Pendapa Kongas Arum Kusumaning Bangsa on Thursday.
Acting Regent Ahmad Baharudin personally led the farewell event before the pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia. Families, local officials, and religious leaders attended the gathering.
The ceremony unfolded in an emotional and solemn atmosphere. Many families accompanied relatives before their journey to the Holy Land.
“On behalf of the Tulungagung administration, I congratulate all pilgrims who have received the opportunity to become guests of Allah SWT. This is an extraordinary blessing,” he said.
Baharudin reminded pilgrims to focus sincerely on worship during their journey. He also urged them to prepare physically and mentally because the Hajj pilgrimage requires strong endurance.
According to him, weather conditions in Saudi Arabia differ greatly from those in Indonesia. Pilgrims therefore need to pay close attention to their health during the pilgrimage process.
“Hajj is not only about spiritual worship. Pilgrims also need strong physical preparation because the climate in the Holy Land is very different from our region,” he explained.
The acting regent also encouraged pilgrims to follow instructions from Hajj officers at all times. He said discipline and coordination would help ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Baharudin noted that Indonesian pilgrims also carry the image of their region and country while abroad. He encouraged them to maintain good behavior and strengthen their faith throughout the pilgrimage.
“Use this opportunity to increase worship, strengthen faith, and deepen devotion to Allah SWT,” he added.
During the ceremony, Baharudin also asked pilgrims to pray for peace and stability in Tulungagung while they stay in the Holy Land.
He expressed hope that the regency would remain safe, harmonious, and free from major difficulties. He also hoped local communities would continue supporting one another in daily life.
“We ask all pilgrims to pray for Tulungagung so the region remains peaceful, harmonious, and united,” he said.
Besides addressing the pilgrims, Baharudin delivered a special message to Hajj officers. He spoke to group leaders, religious guides, healthcare workers, and pilgrimage assistants assigned to accompany the delegation.
He urged all officers to provide the best possible service so pilgrims could complete their worship comfortably and safely.
“I hope all officers can provide maximum service so pilgrims can worship safely, comfortably, and smoothly,” he stressed.
The Tulungagung administration has pledged full support for this year’s Hajj operations. Officials said they had prepared supporting facilities and coordination systems for both departures and return schedules.
After the send-off ceremony, Baharudin again expressed hope that all pilgrims would remain healthy during the pilgrimage and safely return home to Indonesia.
He also hoped the pilgrims would return with the status of haji mabrur and become positive role models within society.
“Hopefully all pilgrims stay healthy, complete the pilgrimage smoothly, and return home safely while bringing benefits to the people of Tulungagung,” he concluded.