Additional Quota And Special Hajj Pilgrims Shift To Mecca

The special Hajj pilgrims and the additional quota previously transited in Medina have all shifted to Mecca, to follow the entire peak series of Hajj services in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

"All the last additional quota Hajj pilgrims departed at 11.30 Saudi Arabian Time," said Head of the Madinah Working Area Zaenal Muttaqin as reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 23.

Zaenal is grateful that the departure process for Indonesian pilgrims went smoothly and after it was confirmed that all pilgrims were dispatched, followed by the departure of all Madinah Working Area Hajj officers who left for Mecca at 16.30 Saudi Arabian Time.

The Madinah Working Area Accommodation Section Ali Machzumi explained that there were three groups of additional quota pilgrims flying on Friday, namely Group 13 Lombok Embarkation (LOP 13) and Group 98 and 99 Solo Embarkation ( SOC 98 and SOC 99).

"For two groups, namely LOP 13 and SOC 98 departed Friday at around 07.00 Saudi Arabia Time, while SOC 99 departed at 11.30 Saudi Arabia Time," said Ali.

The three groups of additional quota pilgrims, said Ali, departed from two separate hotels, namely LOP 13 from Gloria Fayrouz Al Massi Hotel and Al Andalus Golden. While SOC 98 from Gloria Fayrouz Al Massidan SOC 99 Hotel came from Al Andalus Golden Hotel.

"There were two Hajj participants, each from LOP 13 and SOC 98, who were admitted to Mu'sa Madinah Hospital because they were sick," he said.

Head of the Special Hajj Supervision Section for the Madinah Working Area, PPIH Saudi Arabia, Rudy N Ambari, said that for special Hajj pilgrims, five special Hajj organizers (PIHK) were dispatched to Mecca.

"A total of five PIHKs departed for Mecca today. The last time they departed was at 14.00 Saudi Arabia time," said Rudi.

Head of the Consumption Service Section, Suviyanto, added that the three additional quota pilgrims also received the same consumption as the previous congregation.

"They get a welcome meal usually at hotels to eat goodbye on the bus. So, there is a meal on the way to Mecca. To eat goodbye to the menu," said Suviyanto.

Hajj officers have tried to provide maximum service, both in terms of accommodation, transportation, consumption, and worship guidance.

Asked about the arrival of the second batch of pilgrims to Medina, Ali said that July 10, 2023 is scheduled to be the first day of arrival for the group, while the date of last return is on August 4, 2023.