Commission VIII Of The House Of Representatives Asks For Handling Victims Of Accidents In Umrah Pilgrims In Makkah Must Be Optimal

JAKARTA Six Indonesian Umrah pilgrims died as a result of a traffic accident on the Mekkan-Madinah crossing road. Member of Commission VIII DPR KH An'im Falachuddin asked that the handling of injured and survivors be optimal.

The last ten days of Ramadan, the areas of Mecca and Medina have been crowded with Umrah pilgrims from various countries. This accident is an unexpected and unexpected incident," said KH An'im Falachuddin, Saturday, March 22.

"We hope that the government will immediately cooperate with the Saudi Arabian Embassy to facilitate the process of handling victims. We also convey our deep sorrow to the families of the victims," he continued.

For information, the bus carrying 20 Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia caught fire after being involved in an accident with a SUV. The bus lost control after being overtaken by a HIGH speed SUV.

The bus then hit the SUV and rolled out of the road. In addition to the six Indonesian citizens who died, this incident also killed three foreigners, namely a bus kernet from Pakistan and two Bangladeshi hearse riders.

Kiai An'im said from the statement of the Saudi Arabian Consul General, it was known that apart from the six Indonesian citizens who died, there were three worshipers who suffered serious injuries. While the other 11 pilgrims can continue the Umrah procession.

"We hope that injured and dead victims can get proper treatment," he said.

This PKB legislator appreciates the quick steps taken by the Indonesian Consulate General who has coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Religion. He asked the two ministries to assist in the process of handling injured victims who are still undergoing treatment.

"For victims who died, the government was asked to facilitate the funeral process," he added.

In addition, Kiai An'im emphasized the importance of the involvement of the Umrah bureau in the process of handling victims and investigating accidents.

"The Umrah Bureau must be open in the investigation process, including checking whether there is a vehicle impairment, human error factor, or pure accident. Everything must be transparent," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of preventive measures so that similar incidents do not happen again in the future. Especially the role of the embassy, as well as the Indonesian Consul General in Saudi Arabia.

"Prevention efforts must be made to ensure the safety of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims," he concluded.

It was reported that a bus carrying Indonesian citizens (WNI) was involved in an accident in Wadi Qudeid, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, March 20, noon local time.

A total of 20 pilgrims from Indonesia were victims in the incident that occurred about 150 kilometers from Jeddah City. Six of them died and 14 others were injured.

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah immediately sent a team to protect Indonesian citizens to the location and coordinated with local authorities, hospitals, Tour Leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Hajj, Muassasah and Bus Companies and ensured the condition of the victims," said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, in a written statement on Friday, March 21.