Government asks pilgrims to reduce social media use while in the Holy Land

JAKARTA - The Lebak Regency Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) Office, Banten, asked all prospective pilgrims from Lebak not to use social media excessively while performing the pilgrimage in the holy land.

The appeal was made in order to maintain the intimacy of worship while respecting the comfort of other worshipers. The government is concerned that excessive use of mobile devices will shift the spiritual essence of the Hajj, which should be carried out with full tranquility and piety.

Head of the Lebak Regency Kemenhaj Office, Halimatussadiah, said his party had reminded the pilgrims since the manasik activities to be more wise in using social media while in Saudi Arabia.

"Both the rituals organized by KBIHU and the government, we always emphasize to the congregation to be careful and wise in social media. Things that could harm the congregation themselves have been informed since the beginning," said Halimatussadiah Thursday, May 14.

He assessed that the habit of immortalizing and sharing every worship activity on social media has the potential to reduce the congregation's focus. In fact, the hajj is a spiritual momentum that requires focus and inner peace.

"We appeal to the congregation to be wise in social media so that the performance of their prayers is more devout and becomes a mabrur Hajj," he added.

He explained, until now there are no special rules that prohibit the use of mobile phones in Mecca. However, the government still asks pilgrims to use social media proportionately and not excessively.

"Previously, there was actually no ban. It's just that the government urges you to always be wise in using social media," said Halimatussadiah.

Halimatussadiah also revealed that the Saudi government is now paying more attention to the digital activities of pilgrims, including from Indonesia. The many uploads of worship activities are considered potentially disruptive to the comfort and privacy of other pilgrims in the holy area.

"The government of Saudi Arabia may feel uncomfortable with the large number of pilgrims who during worship upload more to social media. Therefore, we appeal to all Indonesian pilgrims to wisely use social media," concluded Halimatussadiah.