TIMES AUSTRALIA, JAKARTA – At the age of 91, when most people spend their days in quiet retirement, Supinah Rusmini is embarking on a sacred journey one that many dream of, but not all are granted. Her unwavering determination to perform the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah is nothing short of inspiring.

This year, Supinah received the divine calling to visit the Baitullah. She joined the 10th flight group (Kloter 10), which departed for Saudi Arabia on Sunday night (4/5/2025). The group took off from Indonesia at 11:00 PM local time (WIB) on flight number SV 5271, heading to Madinah.

Supinah is no one of fame or fortune, she is a humble traditional massage therapist. For decades, she has spent her days massaging infants and young children in her village. Despite her modest means, she feels immense gratitude for being able to fulfill one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

As the oldest pilgrim in her group, Supinah is not traveling alone. She is accompanied by her sixth child, M. Ghufron, who lovingly looks after her during this sacred journey.

“My mother was very emotional and joyful when we departed last night. Alhamdulillah, her condition is stable and healthy,” Ghufron shared.

“Her hearing is not what it used to be, so we have to speak close to her ear. She also has high blood pressure, which we’re monitoring closely,” he added.

Supinah first registered for Hajj in 2019 with her elder daughter. However, fate had other plans. Her daughter passed away due to COVID-19, and Supinah requested that Ghufron accompany her instead.

“Qadarullah, my sister passed away. So I am here to fulfill her place, as my mother wished,” he explained.

Supinah’s initial departure schedule was projected for around the year 2030. However, due to the elderly priority system, she and her son were able to go much earlier than expected.

“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to be able to depart earlier with the senior citizen priority quota,” Ghufron said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Supinah’s life has been one of resilience and simplicity. For over fifty years, she has worked as a baby masseuse. Her journey began as a traditional birth attendant, helping women through labor in her rural village.

Over time, she focused on massaging infants and young children—an art she still practices to this day.

“At her age, she can still massage up to five children a day. Massaging children doesn’t take long, usually about ten minutes per child," Ghufron shared proudly.

But behind her gentle hands lies a story of patience and persistence. For the past twenty years, Supinah has been saving money little by little. After two decades of modest saving, she finally managed to collect 25 million rupiah. With the help of her children, she registered for Hajj.

“I have longed to go on this pilgrimage since I was young,” Supinah whispered. “But what could I do? Back then, I had nine children to raise. We needed the money for them. Now that they are all independent, I could finally register and go.”

Her voice, though soft, carries the weight of decades of dreams and prayers. Her faith remains unshaken, and her message is simple but profound.

“If you truly desire something, ask Allah for it. Don’t be afraid, don’t hesitate. Ask from the depths of your heart, for nothing is impossible for Allah,” she said firmly.

Supinah’s story  in Hajj 2025 is a reminder that faith, determination, and patience can carry a person across any distance even one that spans a lifetime. As she steps onto the sacred ground of Makkah, she doesn’t just carry her small suitcase and her son’s hand she carries the hopes of a lifetime and the proof that it’s never too late to fulfill a dream. (*)