Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – After four decades of steadfast patience and diligent saving, Legiman — an elderly cleaner from Indonesia — and his wife have at last set out on their long-cherished pilgrimage to Makkah. Departing from Surakarta Airport, their journey was eased by Saudi Arabia’s “Makkah Route” initiative, which streamlines pilgrimage for international travelers. Their story reflects the strength of faith and perseverance.
Hard Work
Deep within the heart of Java Island, in a small village of the Ngamben region, 66-year-old Legiman lives a humble life as a street cleaner. Since 1976, he has daily swept the roads and collected garbage—using a motorbike or cart. Yet all the while, he carried a quiet, unwavering hope in his heart: that one day, he and his wife would visit the Two Holy Mosques. Despite his modest means and hard living conditions, he held fast to his dream—with prayer and hope as his constant companions.
A dream born in 1986
Clutching his passport, Legiman tearfully recalls, “Since 1986, my wife and I committed to saving just 1,000 Rupiah daily— a modest sum, but it was all we could spare after meeting our basic needs.” For 40 years, they never gave up, slowly adding to their savings by collecting and selling waste paper and plastic…all while keeping their dream alive.
Laughing shyly, Legiman says, “We kept the money in a wallet and counted the days like a pilgrim counts steps around the Kaaba… It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.” He adds, “Despite the challenges, we never lost hope, and my wife and I continued saving until we finally registered our names on the pilgrim list in 2012.” “Securing a spot was the first step, and payment could come later”, he says. After that he doubled down on the saving, collecting scrap metal for extra pennies, supporting his family as he pursued his dream.
The “Makkah Route” Initiative
The “Makkah Route”—a Saudi Ministry of Interior initiative, and part of its “Pilgrim Experience” program—eases Hajj pilgrimage in some countries by completing many procedures within the home countries of pilgrims, such as health checks, visa issuance, and pre-departure electronic passport control.
Indonesia is a main beneficiary of this initiative, receiving special attention to ensure the comfort of its pilgrims. Legiman and his wife gained wide attention, as their experience reflected the initiative’s core purpose: enabling senior pilgrims to perform Hajj with ease and peace of mind. Through such initiatives, Saudi Arabia sets a leading example in the serving of pilgrims, reaffirming its global role as a host of all Allah’s guests, whatever their age or circumstance.
From a remote village to the Grand Mosque
With joyful hearts, Legiman and his wife embarked upon the journey of a lifetime, the “Makkah Route” initiative having streamlined their procedures before departure, making their journey smoother than they had ever imagined.
Fighting back tears, Legiman said, “I’m overwhelmed with joy—I couldn’t believe I would ever see the Kaaba with my own eyes.” He added, “I thank Allah first, and then all who helped us, especially those behind the “Makkah Route” initiative, who made everything easier than I ever imagined.”
The couple also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Saudi Arabia, praising the warm welcome, hospitality, precise organization, and quality of services to Indonesian pilgrims.
More than a pilgrimage, the story of Legiman and his wife is one of incredible patience and faith—a relentless dream beginning with a single Rupiah and eventually fulfilled in prayer before the Kaaba.