Minister Of Religion: Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Get Ease From Saudi Arabia
Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said he received calming news, one of which was a number of conveniences provided by the Government of Saudi Arabia in organizing this year's Hajj services to pilgrims, including Indonesia.
"The point is calming, because the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made innovations that make it easier for the congregation, including when the most crucial is actually in Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, and in Medina when our congregation wants to enter Raudhah," said Minister of Religion Yaqut as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 20.
This was conveyed by Minister of Religion Yaqut after attending the 2023 Hajj Symposium which carries the theme Fiqih Attaisir Filhajj or Fiqih Ease of Hajj at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Minister of Religion expressed the convenience of the Government of Saudi Arabia, namely the provision of facilities for a number of golf cars that can be used to help the mobility of pilgrims during the implementation of jumrah throwing which is prioritized for elderly pilgrims with their maktab or tents in Mina are far from the place where they throw their children or worshipers.
"Alhamdulillah, for our congregation whose nature will be in Mina, they are relatively very far away, they will receive additional golf car facilities to help to the nearest point to the congregation. This is very helpful and we continue to strive to increase the number," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.
According to him, the additional facilities in the form of golf cars were indeed proposed by the Ministry of Religion based on the results of the evaluation of the implementation of the pilgrimage last year.
Along with a fairly long distance from the tent in Mina to the congregation, he said, transportation facilities are needed so that the congregation is not too tired, so the golf cart will be very useful in accelerating the evacuation process.
"Last year we asked the Ministry of Hajj to prepare a golf cart in Mina to evacuate if something happened to our pilgrims. The information this year was fulfilled. There were 15 golf cars prepared," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.
To help mobilize pilgrims, especially the elderly, Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organizing Officers (PPIH) have also prepared hundreds of wheelchairs that will be used during the peak of the Hajj in Armuzna. The wheelchair will also be used for the mobility of pilgrims in the Haram Mosque and Prophet's Mosque area.
In addition to golf carts, Indonesian pilgrims' tents in Arafah also received an additional 10 toilets in each maktab from the previous 20 toilets available.
"Today we are checking the readiness of additional toilets in Arafah, including the renovation of kitchens prepared to cook congregational food," he said.
According to him, other facilities are breakthroughs and information technology-based innovations such as the Nusuk application which makes it easier for all congregants to enter Raudhah in an orderly manner.