Jakarta. The number of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who died during the peak of the Hajj rituals at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) in 2024 has decreased compared to last year's Hajj season, according to the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia. The extreme heat has been identified as the main cause of the deaths this year.

Indro Murwoko, head of health affairs for PPIH, reported that 40 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims passed away during this period (June 15-16). Eleven pilgrims died in Arafah, while 29 passed away in Mina. At least 1,081 pilgrims from various countries have died during the Armuzna phase, according to AFP.

"A total of 40 pilgrims have died. The data shows deaths occurred in tents, health posts, and Saudi hospitals, both in Arafah and Mina," he said in Makkah on Saturday.

The Integrated Hajj Computerization System (Siskohat) recorded 64 deaths among Indonesian pilgrims during the Armuzna period in 2023, with 13 deaths in Arafah and 51 in Mina.

Given the hot weather in Saudi Arabia, Indro advised pilgrims to limit outdoor activities while waiting for their return schedule.Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesman for the Saudi Health Ministry, reported that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday, June 16, alone. Temperatures reached 47°C in Mecca and 46°C in Mina, according to Saudi meteorological authorities.

“Heat stress is the greatest challenge,” he said.

The return of Hajj pilgrims to Indonesia began on Saturday, with 7,973 pilgrims returning from 10 embarkation points. Simultaneously, 14 Hajj dormitories in Indonesia have prepared arrival services for the pilgrims.

Since the beginning of the Hajj process, 215 Indonesian pilgrims have died, a decrease from 750 deaths last year.

This year's Hajj was attended by 213,300 Indonesian pilgrims from 553 flight groups spread across the country.

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