Ministry of Hajj Coordinates with Saudi Arabia on Relaxation of Umrah Hotel

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the government would coordinate with Saudi Arabia regarding relaxation of hospitality given the many umrah participants who were affected by the escalation in the Middle East.

"Later we will talk to the Saudi Arabian government authorities regarding hospitality. Because hotels are under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian ministry, especially the tourism ministry there, regarding the concessions that can be obtained by friends of PPIU or travel," said WamenhajDahnil as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 4.

Escalation in the region makes flights to/from the Holy Land experience obstacles. Likewise with Indonesian pilgrims who have departed or not.

Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU) who have booked hotels are facing an uncertain situation, while the booking was made long in advance.

On the other hand, the congregation who have been in the Holy Land will also be affected, especially those who enter transit packages to a number of countries using foreign airlines. The loss is because the transit destination countries close their airspace due to the war.

"Of course the travel party will definitely suffer some losses. Because they have booked hotels, booked plane tickets and so on. And this condition, right, the condition cannot be predicted," said Wamenhaj Dahnil.

On the other hand, although most foreign airlines provide refund options (refund), both for pilgrims who have not departed and those who are already in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims cannot necessarily fly.

For direct flights (direct) to Indonesia, airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Saudi Airlines, are still serving flights. However, the higher ticket prices are a hindrance.

Therefore, the Ministry of Religion also asked Garuda Indonesia to provide a price relaxation for tickets so that Indonesian umrah pilgrims could gradually return home.

"I convey to the President Director of Garuda so that he can provide replacement transportation for our umrah pilgrims who are refunded from foreign airlines. So they finally buy Garuda tickets to return. But the price must be more economical," said Wamenhaj Dahnil.