Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan, a 73-year-old Hajj pilgrim from Jakarta who had been reported missing in Mecca, has sadly been found deceased. Firdaus was a member of Hajj group 1, contingent 27, from the Jakarta-Pondok Gede Embarkation (JKG 27), making his pilgrimage during this sacred season.
The solemn news was officially confirmed by Moh Hasan Affandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau for the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj RI). Affandi announced that the information was gathered from comprehensive field reports and diligent coordination efforts.
“Based on field reports and close coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, Mr. Firdaus was discovered in a deceased state,” Hasan stated during a press conference held in Mecca on Friday, May 22. This announcement brought a tragic end to the search for the missing pilgrim.
Hasan further elaborated that the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) Saudi Arabia had received an initial report in the early hours of Friday, May 22, 2026, concerning an unidentified body at a Saudi hospital in Mecca. The PPIH Saudi Arabia promptly conveyed their deepest condolences, expressing profound sorrow over the loss. “May Allah bestow His mercy and forgiveness upon the deceased and grant patience to the grieving family,” Hasan solemnly added, offering a prayer for solace.
In a gesture of gratitude, Hasan conveyed the appreciation of PPIH Saudi Arabia to the bereaved family, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah, the Saudi Arabian authorities, all officers involved in the extensive search operations, and the entire Indonesian populace who offered prayers for the departed.
As a significant act of compassion and respect, the Indonesian government has pledged to perform Badal Hajj (Hajj by proxy) for the deceased pilgrim. This sacred ritual will be carried out on behalf of Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan by Indonesian Hajj officials, ensuring his pilgrimage is completed posthumously.
The identification process was a deeply emotional moment. The Pilgrim Protection Team (Linjam) of PPIH Daker Makkah accompanied Nafsiah Nawan, Firdaus’s wife, to the hospital to ascertain the identity of the body. After a thorough check, Nafsiah heartbreakingly confirmed that the deceased was indeed her beloved husband, bringing a definitive closure to their agonizing search.
Summary
Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan, seorang jemaah haji berusia 73 tahun dari Jakarta yang dilaporkan hilang di Mekkah, telah ditemukan meninggal dunia. Kabar duka ini dikonfirmasi secara resmi oleh Moh Hasan Affandi, Kepala Biro Humas Kementerian Haji dan Umrah RI, berdasarkan laporan lapangan dan koordinasi dengan pihak berwenang Arab Saudi. Komite Penyelenggara Haji Indonesia (PPIH) Arab Saudi menerima laporan mengenai penemuan jenazah tak dikenal dan segera memfasilitasi proses identifikasi.
Istri Firdaus, Nafsiah Nawan, didampingi Tim Pelindungan Jemaah, mengidentifikasi suaminya di sebuah rumah sakit Saudi, memberikan penutupan atas pencarian yang menyakitkan. PPIH Arab Saudi menyampaikan duka cita mendalam serta terima kasih kepada semua pihak yang terlibat dalam upaya pencarian. Sebagai bentuk kepedulian, pemerintah Indonesia telah berjanji untuk melaksanakan Badal Haji bagi almarhum Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan.