At 109, Grandma Sumbuk Becomes Indonesia’s Oldest Pilgrim in 2025

Though time has slowed her steps and dulled her hearing, her spirit remains unshaken.

At 109 years old, Grandma Sumbuk—affectionately known as Nenek Sumbuk—has embarked on the sacred journey of Hajj, becoming the oldest Indonesian pilgrim for the 2025 season, Radio Republik Indonesia.

Her age has never been a barrier to her spiritual aspirations. In fact, her longing to visit the Holy Land has only deepened over the years. This once-in-a-lifetime journey is the fulfillment of a dream nurtured for decades.

In preparation for the pilgrimage, Nenek Sumbuk received meticulous care and support from the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Group (KBIHU).

Special accommodations, including a wheelchair and a dedicated assistant, were made to ensure her comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Traveling with the Jakarta-Bekasi (JKS) batch 33 group, Nenek Sumbuk entered the Bekasi Hajj Dormitory on May 16 before departing for Saudi Arabia on May 17.

Her journey is part of the second wave of Indonesian pilgrims leaving for the Holy Land this year.

This moment marks more than just another departure—it is a historical milestone. Her presence among the pilgrims stands as a symbol of devotion, perseverance, and the timeless nature of faith.

When asked what prayers she intended to offer in Makkah, Nenek Sumbuk responded humbly in Javanese, which her daughter Sukmi translated:

“My prayer is that my Hajj will be accepted and blessed,” she said, as reported by haji.kemenag.go.id.

As she takes the sacred steps toward the Kaaba, surrounded by the prayers of loved ones and the support of her community, Nenek Sumbuk becomes a living inspiration.

Her story is a reminder that Hajj is not only a physical journey, but a deep calling of the heart—one that transcends age, distance, and physical limitations.

With unwavering resolve and divine hope, she is fulfilling a journey that millions dream of—an extraordinary legacy of faith in motion.