MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Government of Deli Serdang Regency warmly welcomed the return of Hajj pilgrims from Group (Kloter) 15 at the Hajj Dormitory in Medan in an atmosphere filled with emotion and gratitude. The pilgrims arrived early Friday morning, June 19, 2026, at around 03:00 a.m. WIB, after approximately 40 days in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Their return marked a deeply moving moment as families, officials, and community representatives gathered to greet the pilgrims who had completed their spiritual journey.
A Tearful Dawn Reunion in MedanThe arrival of the pilgrims was directly received by representatives of the Deli Serdang Regency Government, alongside family members who had been waiting since the early hours. Emotional scenes unfolded as pilgrims reunited with their loved ones after weeks of spiritual devotion abroad.
Among those present was Asniar Lom Suwondo, First Expert Staff of the Deli Serdang PKK and also serving as a Hajj officer for the 2026 pilgrimage season. Her presence underscored the importance of comprehensive support and accompaniment for pilgrims throughout their journey.
EMOTIONAL HOMECOMING OF HAJJ PILGRIMS: The Deli Serdang Regency Government welcomes the return of Group 15 pilgrims at the Medan Hajj Dormitory early Friday morning, June 19, 2026, after approximately 40 days in the holy cities. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Official Reception by Local AuthoritiesThe formal welcoming ceremony was led by Deputy Regent of Deli Serdang, Lom Lom Suwondo, SS. Also in attendance were the Assistant for Government and Welfare, Zainal Abidin Hutagalung, Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Mukti Ali Harahap, and Head of the Social Services Office, Faisal Rahman.
Officials greeted each pilgrim personally, reflecting deep respect and appreciation for their successful completion of the sacred journey. A symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of ceremonial scarves to the leader of Kloter 15, signifying honor and official welcome.
Call to Become Role Models in SocietyHead of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in North Sumatra, Zulkifli Sitorus, expressed gratitude for the safe and healthy return of all pilgrims. He also praised the discipline and unity maintained by the group throughout the pilgrimage.
"We are very happy to see you return healthy and with radiant faces. I often say, when you look in the mirror after returning home, you may feel younger. That reflects inner peace and happiness after completing the pilgrimage," he said.
WITH THE PILGRIMS: Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo together with Deli Serdang Hajj pilgrims during the official welcoming ceremony at the Medan Hajj Dormitory. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Hajj as a Moral and Social ResponsibilityZulkifli further emphasized that achieving a Hajj mabrur is not only measured by the correctness of rituals performed in Mecca and Medina, but also by behavioral transformation after returning home.
"A mabrur Hajj is reflected in one's life after returning. Faith in Allah SWT grows stronger, and the benefit to others increases. The pilgrimage carries not only a personal dimension but also a social responsibility," he explained.
He urged the pilgrims to serve as role models within their communities, promoting peace, kindness, and social harmony.
Prayers for Blessings and Accepted PilgrimageConcluding his remarks,
Zulkifli Sitorus offered prayers for all returning pilgrims, wishing them blessings, peace, and that their Hajj would be accepted by Allah SWT.
The return of Group 15 not only marks the end of a spiritual journey for the people of Deli Serdang but also signals the beginning of a new responsibility: applying the values gained during Hajj into everyday social life. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Edi Saputra | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala