TARAKAN - Deputy Minister (Wamen) of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak reminded local governments to minimize ceremonial activities in the departure process of prospective pilgrims, especially transit areas, in order to maintain the physical condition of pilgrims before departing to the Holy Land.
This was conveyed by Dahnil when reviewing the readiness of Hajj services in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Tuesday, April 5.
According to Dahnil, the number of pilgrims from Kaltara is relatively not much compared to other areas, but requires special attention because most of them have to travel longer due to the transit system.
"Relatively small areas such as Kaltara must be given special attention because their travel time is longer. Therefore, we encourage that there are not too many ceremonial activities that drain the energy of the congregation," said Wamen Dahnil.
He explained that after arriving at the embarkation, pilgrims still have to wait for the next flight schedule to Saudi Arabia, plus health checks and other administrative stages. This condition is considered quite tiring, especially for elderly pilgrims.
Therefore, local governments and committees are asked to focus more on core services, including ensuring that pilgrims have enough rest time.
"We appeal to the local government during the release of the congregation not to have too many ceremonial events so that the congregation can rest enough," he said.
Dahnil emphasized that the existence of the Tarakan Transit Hajj Dormitory was considered strategic in supporting the services of pilgrims from Kaltara. He also appreciated the support of the Provincial Government (Pemprov) for the development of Hajj facilities in the 34th Province.
"We are grateful to the Provincial Government and the support of the governor, for the management of Hajj in Kaltara. Hopefully in the future the management of Hajj in Kaltara will be better and more accelerated," he said.
Dahnil emphasized that his party paid special attention to elderly pilgrims so as not to force themselves to carry out additional worship activities that drain the body while in the Holy Land.
"About 95 percent of the Hajj activities are physical, so it is very exhausting. Just focus on the core worship and don't force yourself," he said.
He also reminded the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Group (KBIHU) not to make pilgrims as commodities through additional programs that are burdensome, such as city tours and repeated umrah.
"We have repeatedly reminded KBIHU not to invite city tour or umrah congregations many times. If it is still carried out, we will give a strong warning until the threat of revocation of the permit," he concluded.
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