MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, accompanied by his deputy Zakiudin Harahap, officially bid farewell to 1,800 Hajj pilgrims from the city of Medan on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The ceremonial send-off took place at the auditorium of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU), marked by a solemn and deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Official Send-Off at UINSU
During the ceremony, Rico Waas performed a traditional blessing for the departing pilgrims, symbolizing prayers and hope for a safe and blessed journey to the Holy Land. The event was attended by pilgrims and their families, many of whom were visibly emotional as they prepared for the sacred journey.
Rico Waas extended his best wishes for a smooth pilgrimage and a safe return to Indonesia.
"Perform your worship with full dedication. Maintain the good reputation of Medan and Indonesia, and follow all instructions from Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia," he said.
GROPU PHOTO RICO WAAS: Mayor
Rico Waas poses with Hajj pilgrims during a blessing ceremony symbolizing prayers for a smooth pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the UINSU auditorium, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (PHOTO: Muhammad Said Harahap)
Call for Discipline and Good Conduct in the Holy LandThe mayor also urged pilgrims to uphold cleanliness, order, and moral conduct during their stay in the holy sites. He emphasized that pilgrims are guests of God and must therefore demonstrate exemplary behavior throughout their journey.
"We are guests of God. Always show the best behavior and strictly follow the guidance of the responsible officers," Rico added.
He further expressed hope that all pilgrims would experience a smooth, blessed, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj pilgrimage.
City Ensures Security of Pilgrims' HomesIn connection with the departure, the mayor instructed district and village administrations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims' homes during their absence. The measure aims to provide peace of mind so that worshippers can focus fully on their spiritual journey without concerns about their property. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala