Second Wave Departure, Ministry Of Religion Asks Congregants Of Calhaj To Wear Ihram Since Embarkation

Pilgrims of Hajj candidates boarded a plane carrying them to the Holy Land at Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Wednesday (24/5/2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Wahyu Putro A/tom.)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has asked prospective pilgrims to wear ihram fabrics since the embarkation in the country during the second wave of departure phase.

"Hajj pilgrims have been asked to wear ihram cloth since the departure embarration in the country, considering that there is not sufficient time available and to avoid the accumulation of worshipers upon arrival at King Abdul Aziz Jeddah Airport," said Director of Hajj Development at the Ministry of Religion, Arsad Hidayat, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 6.

Arsyad said the departure of the second wave will start on June 7 to 22, 2023. The congregation will depart from the embarkation in the country to King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah.

Arriving at the airport, the participants of the pilgrimage will immediately depart for Mecca to undergo mandatory Umrah Hajj or Umrah.

"For the implementation of the Umrah intention, it can be done while on the plane passing through the Yalamlam area or when at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah before departure to Mecca," he said.

Arsyad asked all Hajj officers, both in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, to provide priority services to the elderly.

The priority of this service must be given upon departure, on trips, or upon arrival of pilgrims at King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah.

"This year we carry the spirit of the Elderly Hajj. All officers are asked to provide the best service to Indonesian pilgrims, including those who are in the elderly category," said Arsyad.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy asked for additional psychologists and psychiatrists considering that there were several elderly pilgrims who experienced dementia.

Dementia is a disease that causes a decrease in memory and way of thinking for sufferers.

"I first discuss with the Minister of Health, this is what is needed, not only psychologists but also psychiatrists, because the problem is psychological," said Muhadjir.