Jakarta, April 23 -- The Ministry of Health has stressed that managing expectations and adopting a holistic approach are essential to help pilgrims perform the Hajj with greater peace of mind and focus.

Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the ministry, Imran Pambudi, said the 2026 Hajj will be one of the largest spiritual gatherings, involving more than 1.8 million pilgrims worldwide, including around 221,000 from Indonesia.

Of that number, about 11,000 are elderly pilgrims who face greater physical and mental challenges.

"The Hajj is a very important religious practice for Muslims. However, beyond its profound religious significance, it also presents significant mental health challenges," he said here on Wednesday.

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