Postponement Of Umrah, Commission IX Of The House Of Representatives: Protection Efforts For Indonesian Citizens, Must Be Complied With

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX DPR RI Rahmad Handoyo, assessed that the government's policy of delaying the departure of Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was appropriate. According to him, this delay is an anticipatory measure for the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, in order to protect all Indonesian citizens.

"This is a precautionary measure by the government in providing protection to its citizens who are going abroad from the threat of the Omicron variant," Rahmad told reporters in Jakarta, Sunday, December 19.

PDIP politicians believe that this tough decision was taken by the government after dialogue with the parties. Including the association of Indonesian Umrah organizers regarding current global and national conditions.

"Because of the current conditions, I think this decision is something that can be understood. There have been Arab citizens who have tested positive for Omicron," continued Rahmad.

The member of the health commission admitted that the postponement of Umrah was indeed a dilemma. However, this policy needs to be seen as an effort by the government to provide protection to its citizens.

"This is the right step to protect Indonesian citizens from being exposed to the Omicron variant," said Rahmad.

On the other hand, the Legislator for the Central Java electoral district considered that the government's appeal to Indonesian citizens not to travel abroad should be obeyed. "If it wasn't for something really urgent, you shouldn't have to go abroad. We should follow the state's advice," he stressed. In fact, said Rahmad, the Japanese state has immediately closed the door to all foreign nationals who intend to enter the country of the sun. He considered that Indonesia should also do the same thing.

"This is all a preventive effort to protect its citizens. Likewise Indonesia, when we close, when we increase quarantine, it is an effort to protect Indonesian citizens from being exposed to Omicron," said Rahmad. As is known, the departure for Umrah will be carried out on December 23, 2021. after an appeal from President Joko Widodo for people not to travel abroad.

This has also been discussed in a meeting of the Ministry of Religion with the Association for Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU).