TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek Hajj pilgrims 2026 process continues to move forward, as officials confirm backup pilgrims will depart and activate a replacement system after one pilgrim died ahead of the journey.
Local authorities will fill the vacant slot through a quota system managed at the provincial level. However, officials may select the replacement from anywhere in East Java, not necessarily from Trenggalek, based on the waiting list.
Head of the Trenggalek Hajj and Umrah Office, Subkhan Hamzah, explained the mechanism. “The province manages the quota. It could be filled by someone from Trenggalek, but it is not guaranteed,” he said on May 4.
At the same time, four backup pilgrims have secured their departure for this year’s Hajj season. Officials placed two pilgrims in Flight Group 109 and two others in Group 110. Their inclusion ensures all available seats are fully used.
The total number of departing pilgrims from Trenggalek has slightly decreased. Officials initially recorded 452 pilgrims, but one death and several health-related delays reduced the figure to 451. Despite this change, the overall departure plan remains on track.
Authorities have organized the pilgrims into several flight groups. Group 105 includes 347 pilgrims, while Group 106 consists of 100 pilgrims. The remaining four backup pilgrims will travel with Groups 109 and 110.
Hamzah said preparations have reached around 95 percent. Officers have completed all key documents, including passports, visas, and travel permits. They also distributed luggage in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
Pilgrims will return their luggage on May 16, 2026, through their respective Hajj guidance groups (KBIH). Officers will check each bag for weight and completeness before sending them to the Surabaya embarkation point.
Officials have scheduled the departure for May 18, 2026, as part of the second wave. Pilgrims will gather at the Trenggalek Pendapa at around 1:00 a.m. They will then travel to the Sukolilo Hajj Dormitory in Surabaya and arrive at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Mohammad Nasron, secretary of KBIHU NU Trenggalek, said his organization is assisting 190 pilgrims this year. He noted that 95 pilgrims will join Group 105 and 91 will join Group 106.
He also confirmed that the four backup pilgrims will depart as planned. Their participation helps ensure that the allocated quota does not go unused.
Although minor adjustments have occurred, officials remain confident that the overall process will run smoothly. They acknowledged that last-minute changes are common, but strong coordination among all parties will help maintain the schedule.