Ruptly
"Thousands of Indonesian pilgrims are taking part in intensive training ahead of the 2026 Hajj, using a full-scale replica of holy sites in South Tangerang, Banten province, as the country prepares to send more than 221,000 people to Saudi Arabia. Footage shows prospective pilgrims attending lectures, practising rituals in ihram garments, and visiting replicas of key sites in Mecca, including the Black Stone and the stoning area at Jamarat. "The atmosphere remains conducive and normal. The number of pilgrims has not decreased and remains quite high because the Indonesian government has facilitated the implementation of Hajj and Umrah very well," said Rifki Aufan, a tour operator. Participants said the so-called manasik training helps them prepare physically, mentally and spiritually for the pilgrimage. "With this manasik training, the process has become clearer for the pilgrims. We also feel happy to have the training here because it is a miniature Mecca; the atmosphere is very close and almost identical to Mecca," one participant said. Some pilgrims also addressed ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying it would not deter them from travelling. "Regarding the current war between Iran versus America and its ally Israel, that is already the destiny of Allah SWT. However, it does not discourage my intention to depart for Hajj," another pilgrim said. The training complex spans around 2.5 hectares and includes detailed reconstructions of pilgrimage sites, including a large Jamarat area where pilgrims rehearse the symbolic stoning ritual. Organisers say the programme is particularly important for first-time pilgrims, many of whom are elderly, with a focus on safety, logistics and discipline, including mock travel procedures and health protocols."
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