Minister Qoumas carries out a final check on readiness for the Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas left for Saudi Arabia for final checks on preparations for Hajj services ahead of the first arrival of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims on May 12, 2024.

“I will carry out checks in Makkah, Medina, and also assess the readiness of facilities in Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina areas,” Qoumas said in the statement here on Tuesday.

The minister left for Saudi Arabia in the early morning of May 7. He will spend four days in Saudi Arabia before returning home on May 11.

During the visit, the minister will meet with local contractors to check their readiness to serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims according to their scope of work and responsibilities.

Qoumas will also ensure that mitigation measures are taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the Hajj for Indonesian pilgrims and prevent a recurrence of past shortcomings.

“In Mecca or Medina we will check the readiness of hotels and food for the pilgrims. We will also check the readiness of our shuttle bus terminal in Syib Amir and Ajyad areas in Makkah,” Qoumas said.

Before the first departure of Hajj pilgrims on May 12, the ministry sent Indonesian Hajj organizing officers (PPIH) on previous dates, while the advance team of officers left for Saudi Arabia on May 2.

Meanwhile, the Hajj officers assigned at Saudi airports and in Medina will leave on May 8, and the officers assigned in Makkah will leave on May 15.

“God willing, I will personally send away the first batch of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on May 12, 2024,” he noted.

During this year’s Hajj season, Indonesia received a Hajj quota of 241 thousand, of which 213,320 were for the regular Hajj and 27,680 for the special Hajj.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Indonesian hajj pilgrims will depart on May 12 and the first flights of pilgrims under the special hajj program will begin on May 23.