TIMES AUSTRALIA, MAKKAH – As part of preparations and safety measures for Hajj 2025, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hilman Latief, issued an important advisory to Indonesian pilgrims, particularly those performing nafar awal.

He urged them to delay their tawaf ifadah until crowd conditions at Masjidil Haram are more manageable. This statement was made in Makkah on Sunday (8/6/2025).

“Specifically for pilgrims performing nafar awal, we advise postponing tawaf ifadah until conditions are more favorable, unless they are in the early-return groups who must head home to Indonesia soon,” Hilman explained.

He noted that the 12th of Dzulhijjah will witness a massive outflow of pilgrims from Mina, including thousands from multiple countries. This mass movement is expected to significantly congest the roads leading to Makkah and create heavy foot traffic in and around Masjidil Haram.

“Road congestion and crowd buildup around Masjidil Haram are expected to intensify. This could slow down the movement of pilgrims. We kindly ask all pilgrims to understand this situation and continue following guidance from the Hajj mission officers,” he added.

Hilman emphasized that safety, order, and discipline during Hajj 2025 remain top priorities for the Indonesian government. Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to stay with their groups, be accompanied by their guides, and avoid venturing out alone, especially during times of high congestion.

Since Friday (6/6/2025) or (10 Dzulhijjah), Indonesian pilgrims have been performing the ritual of jumrah, which involves the symbolic stoning of the devil. This ritual continues through the tasyrik days which are 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dzulhijjah (June 7–9).

Pilgrims choosing nafar awal must depart from Mina before sunset on the 12th of Dzulhijjah. Those staying beyond that will continue the ritual on the 13th and will follow nafar tsani.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to monitor developments on the ground, coordinating closely with field personnel to ensure the safety, comfort, and smooth execution of religious duties by Indonesian pilgrims during their time in the Holy Land for Hajj 2025. (*)