Jakarta, May 7 -- Indonesia's Hajj and Umrah Ministry has barred Hajj pilgrims from joining city tours before completing the peak pilgrimage rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha said the policy aims to help pilgrims maintain their physical and mental condition ahead of the physically demanding peak Hajj rituals.

"The policy is not intended to restrict pilgrims' activities, but to protect them from fatigue and help them focus on the peak pilgrimage rituals," he said on Thursday.

The ministry instructed pilgrims and guides not to organize tours outside Mecca and Medina before completing the rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

Guides were also urged to focus on preparing pilgrims physically, m...