Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Cancel Departure, Minister Of Religion, Yaqut, Will Go To Saudi Arabia To Take Care Of Hajj Next Year

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, plans to fly to Saudi Arabia at the end of August to discuss the implementation of the 2022 Hajj so that preparations can be made as early as possible.

"We will go there as soon as we get permission from the Government of Saudi Arabia," said the Minister of Religion in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday.

The Minister of Religion said this step was taken so that the Indonesian government could anticipate if Saudi Arabia again did not open the pilgrimage. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening in most countries in the world and no one can predict when it will end.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also forced Saudi Arabia not to open the Hajj pilgrimage in 2020 and 2021. This decision is a valuable experience, especially for the Indonesian government to anticipate in advance the possibilities that may occur.

"We do not know when this pandemic will end. We have canceled hajj departures twice due to this pandemic. Therefore, for next year it must be anticipated early", said Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

The Minister of Religion assessed that when compared to the global pandemic that has occurred, COVID-19 is an event that has had a major impact on the lives of the world's people, including the movement across countries and continents.

"Currently, for example, it is difficult to enter Saudi Arabia. Indonesian flights are currently not allowed to enter. This will certainly disrupt all activities", said the Minister of Religion as reported by Antara.

Therefore, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas hopes that all parties will be patient and continue to pray so that the government's efforts to prepare for the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage are the best. "We also expect cooperation to be able to educate prospective Indonesian pilgrims", he said.