Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has said that the government is ready to dispatch Hajj pilgrims and will optimize the utilization of the pilgrim quota provided by the Saudi Arabian government in 2022.
“We will optimize whatever quota will be given to Indonesia. In fact, if it is possible, we will try to get additional quota for Indonesian pilgrims, for example, from other countries’ unused quotas,” he informed in a statement here on Saturday.
The Saudi Arabian government has decided to open Hajj services for one million people during the Hajj season in 1443 Hijri or 2022. During the previous two years, the country had enforced strict limits on the number of pilgrims to curb the transmission of COVID-19.
According to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, published by the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims who wish to perform the pilgrimage in 2022 must be under 65 years old and have received the complete dose of COVID-19 vaccination.
In addition, pilgrims are required to bring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result and remain disciplined in following the health protocols to prevent exposure to the virus.
Meanwhile, Minister Qoumas said he is grateful that the Saudi Arabian government has allowed international pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage again in 2022.
“All praises be to God that Indonesian pilgrims will be able to leave for Mecca in 2022. It is a news that has been awaited by the pilgrims. Hence, I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing the opportunity,” he remarked.
While waiting for the announcement from the Saudi Arabian government regarding the Hajj pilgrim quota for Indonesia, the ministry will finalize the preparations of various services required by pilgrims to facilitate their pilgrimage activities.
“We will make the best preparations to ensure the pilgrims are well served,” Qoumas said.
Earlier, he said he expected that Indonesia will get an ideal quota.
Source: Antara News