After A 2-Year Vacuum Due To COVID-19, 419 Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Depart

JAKARTA - A total of 419 Indonesian pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah on Saturday, January 8. This is the first Umrah departure after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The departure of hundreds of pilgrims was released by the Director General of Hajj and Umrah (PHU) Hilman Latief representing the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. In addition, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Sulaiman, Director of Foreign Hajj Services Subhan Cholid, Director of Hajj Fund Management and Information Systems and Integrated Hajj Jaja Jaelani, Director of Umrah and Special Hajj Services Nur Arifin were also present.

In his remarks, Hilman asked the congregation to comply with applicable regulations in order to maintain trust between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

"Keep the trust of the Government of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Show that Indonesian Umrah pilgrims comply with the rules, in particular comply with the health protocols that have been established," Hilman said as quoted in his written statement, Saturday, January 8.

He said health protocols must be adhered to. The reason is, the current COVID-19 pandemic is still not over.

Furthermore, Hilman said that his party was finalizing regulations regarding the implementation of Umrah during the pandemic. Including, system integration with the Saudi Arabian government so that the quality of service and protection of pilgrims continues to increase.

"Vaccine certification verification processes, health tests, quarantines and health screenings are carried out in an easy, fast, valid, accurate way, and ensure compliance with the requirements set by the two countries, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia," he said.

On that occasion, Hilman also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Religion to the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia for his support for the implementation of the Umrah pilgrimage this time.

In addition, thanks were also conveyed to the ministries/agencies who also thought and worked for the successful departure of the Umrah pilgrims. Preparation for the implementation involved the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Ministry of Transportation, Covid-19 Task Force, Airport Authority, and BNPB.

"We entrust Indonesian Umrah pilgrims to get the best service as guests of Allah, fellow Muslims and visitors to the two holy lands," said Hilman.

"May Allah bless us to provide the best service for Umrah pilgrims, as well as the nation and state," he concluded.