Nanda Andrianta, Jakarta – Indonesian hajj authorities have voiced support for stricter baggage inspections by Saudi officials following a growing number of cases involving pilgrims attempting to bring the holy zamzam water home in their luggage.
The issue drew public attention after videos circulated on social media showing Saudi airport authorities conducting large-scale inspections of Indonesian pilgrims' suitcases and discovering significant quantities of zamzam water concealed in ordinary drinking-water bottles.
Despite repeated warnings issued throughout the 2026 hajj season, officials at the Surabaya hajj center in East Java continue to find returning pilgrims carrying zamzam water in both checked and cabin baggage. The discoveries have forced airport personnel to open and inspect luggage to separate the holy water from other belongings.
Zamzam water, drawn from a well within the Grand Mosque in Mecca, is revered by Muslims as holy water and is closely associated with the annual hajj pilgrimage. Many pilgrims seek to bring the water home for personal consumption or to share with family and friends. However, Saudi authorities prohibit pilgrims from transporting zamzam water in regular checked or carry-on baggage because leaking containers can damage luggage and disrupt airport screening and baggage-handling systems.
M. As'adul Anam, acting head of the East Java regional office of the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Ministry, said all flight-group officers had been instructed to repeatedly remind pilgrims not to pack zamzam water in their suitcases.
"The prohibition is absolute and must be obeyed by all pilgrims," Anam said on Wednesday. "In addition to violating aviation regulations, it can also disrupt baggage-handling procedures once the aircraft arrives in Indonesia."
Anam stressed that pilgrims should not worry about losing their entitlement to receive zamzam water, as the government has established an official distribution system separate from passenger luggage.
Under the current arrangement, every Indonesian pilgrim is entitled to receive five liters of zamzam water after returning home. The water is distributed through designated channels according to procedures set by the authorities.
"We therefore urge all pilgrims to comply with the regulations and not attempt to smuggle zamzam water in their baggage," Anam said.
The ministry said compliance with the rules is essential to ensure a faster, safer, and more orderly repatriation process. Officials warned that unauthorized transport of zamzam water can delay baggage distribution and complicate security inspections at airports in both Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
As the number of returning pilgrims continues to increase, debarkation authorities have tightened monitoring of passenger luggage to ensure the smooth handling of flights and baggage.
Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, sent approximately 221,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj season.