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| West Kalimantan Governor Welcomes Last Batch of Returning Hajj Pilgrims in Pontianak with Warm Message. |
The last group of Hajj pilgrims from West Kalimantan finally made it home, and they got a warm welcome straight from the top. On Friday, July 11, 2025, Governor Ria Norsan personally greeted the pilgrims from Kloter 27 at the West Kalimantan Hajj Dormitory in Pontianak, located on Jalan Sutoyo.
This final group was made up of 190 pilgrims—132 people from Kapuas Hulu and 58 from Bengkayang. With their arrival, the full return of all West Kalimantan pilgrims is officially complete.
“Welcome home, Bapak and Ibu! I hope everyone comes back as true Hajj and Hajjah who are mabrur,” said Governor Norsan. “On behalf of the provincial government and the people of West Kalimantan, we’re so happy to have you back. Hopefully, you’ve brought home the blessing of a mabrur hajj.”
He also reminded everyone what a mabrur hajj actually means. According to Islamic teachings, it’s the kind of pilgrimage that’s accepted by God—and the reward? Nothing less than paradise.
“You’ve spent about 40 days in the Holy Land, and now you return with a big title—Haji and Hajjah. But don’t stop there. Keep that spirit alive back home. Let it show in your prayers, your character, and your actions,” he added.
Governor Norsan even gave a little checklist for a mabrur hajj:
If you used to skip prayers, now's the time to step up—start praying five times a day, add tahajjud, fajar, and even taubah prayers. That’s how you improve your hablum minallah, your connection with God.
But don’t forget hablum minannas, your connection with people. “A mabrur hajj should also make us kinder, more generous, and more social. Be someone who gives more, smiles more, and builds better relationships with others,” said the Governor.
Before wrapping up, he gave a quick reminder about health. Since some people may still have a lingering cough, he suggested minimizing contact with family members for a while and wearing masks if needed.
“If you’re still coughing, take it easy with physical interactions. Let yourself fully recover. Put your health and your family’s safety first,” he advised.
The welcoming ceremony was also attended by key local figures including the Vice Regent of Kapuas Hulu, representatives from the Bengkayang government, local lawmakers, provincial officials, and Hajj officers from across Kalimantan Barat.
In total, West Kalimantan sent 2,515 pilgrims for Hajj this year. They were spread across six flight groups: Kloter 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27. Their return flights from Batam to Pontianak took place over six days—from July 6 to July 11, 2025.