BLITAR – Blitar Hajj pilgrims will travel from Mecca to Medina on June 19 after completing the main rituals of the annual pilgrimage. The move marks the final stage of their journey before they return to Indonesia.

Local Hajj officials said pilgrims from Blitar Regency will complete all mandatory Hajj rituals by 13 Dhul Hijjah. These include the standing at Arafah, overnight stays in Muzdalifah and Mina, the stoning of the Jamarat, and the tahallul ceremony.

Purnomo, acting head of the Ministry of Hajj office in Blitar Regency, said pilgrims will not return home immediately after finishing Hajj. Instead, they will remain in Mecca for several days before continuing their journey to Medina.

According to him, the break gives pilgrims time to recover after the physically demanding peak of Hajj. During this period, they may also perform voluntary Umrah and spend more time worshipping at the Grand Mosque.

“By 13 Dhul Hijjah, all Hajj rituals will be complete. Pilgrims may perform voluntary Umrah because they still have enough free time while staying in Mecca,” Purnomo said.

Pilgrims from Blitar’s flight groups will leave Mecca for Medina on June 19. The bus journey will take between six and eight hours.

They will stay in Medina for nine days. During that time, they will participate in the Arbaeen program at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The program encourages pilgrims to perform 40 consecutive obligatory prayers in congregation. Many Muslims consider the practice an important spiritual milestone during their pilgrimage.

In addition, pilgrims will visit the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and several historic Islamic sites in Medina. These locations hold deep religious significance for Muslims around the world.

After completing their activities in Medina, Flight Group 106 will return to Indonesia first. Flight Groups 107 and 108 will follow according to the departure schedule.

Meanwhile, local officials continue coordinating with Hajj organizers to ensure smooth travel arrangements. They hope the final phase of the pilgrimage will proceed without major disruptions.

The Medina visit will conclude the overseas portion of the pilgrimage for Blitar’s Hajj pilgrims. It will also bring months of preparation and weeks of worship in Saudi Arabia to a close.