Already 75 Kloter Pulang, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Reminds Pilgrims Not to Store Zamzam in Koper

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) again reminded Indonesian pilgrims not to carry zamzam water in cabin or baggage bags. The ban was emphasized in the midst of the return phase of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, which has reached tens of thousands of people.

As of Saturday (6/6), a total of 75 clusters with a total of 29,644 pilgrims and Hajj officers have been sent to Indonesia. Of this number, 72 clusters or 28,536 pilgrims and officers have arrived at various debarkations in the country. In addition, 8,579 special Hajj pilgrims and officers have also returned to Indonesia.

Ministry of Religion spokesperson Maria Assegaf said that her party understood that there were still a number of schedule adjustments and flight delays during the peak repatriation period.

"We apologize to all pilgrims and their families for the inconvenience. Together with the Saudi authorities, the airline, and all officers on the ground, we continue to take steps to accelerate and coordinate so that the repatriation process can take place as safely, comfortably, and efficiently as possible," said Maria in a statement. official in Jakarta, Saturday, June 6.

In the midst of the repatriation process, the Ministry of Religion again highlighted the recurring problems every Hajj season, namely the discovery of zamzam water in the pilgrims' suitcases.

Maria emphasized that the presence of zamzam in the baggage could hinder the process of security checks and distribution of baggage.

"Don't put zamzam water in a suitcase, whether it's a cabin suitcase or a baggage suitcase. The discovery of zamzam during security checks can cause the suitcase to be dismantled, slow down the distribution of luggage, and potentially disrupt the overall smooth process of returning pilgrims," he said.

According to Maria, the government has prepared official distribution of zamzam for all pilgrims so that there is no reason to bring the water independently in a suitcase.

"Each pilgrim will receive one gallon of zamzam containing five liters at the debarkation after arriving in the country," he said.

In addition to the repatriation of pilgrims, the Ministry of Religion is also preparing to enter the next phase. Starting Sunday (7/6), the second wave of pilgrims will move from Mecca to Medina as part of the final series of this year's haj pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Religion appealed to pilgrims to prepare their journey well, limit their luggage, maintain their health, and follow the instructions of the officers so that the mobilization process runs smoothly.

"We invite all pilgrims to continue to maintain their health, comply with the instructions of the officers, and help each other until the entire Hajj service is completed and all pilgrims return home safely," said Maria.