Three Departure Schemes For Hajj Pilgrims In 2021 Prepared By The Ministry Of Religion

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JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion is preparing a departure scheme for the Haj pilgrims 1442H / 2021M. Director General of Haj and Umrah Nizar said that the Ministry of Religion is preparing three schemes for the departure of the Haj pilgrims next year.

According to him, three schemes were prepared because of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit Indonesia and the world, it is not certain when it will end.

The first scheme, when COVID-19 does not exist or conditions are normal and the haj quota returns to normal. In this condition, those who canceled their departure this year will depart in 2021. For those who initially departed in 2021, they will postpone the following year.

"Unless, if next year Indonesia gets an additional quota," said Nizar as quoted from the Ministry of Religion website, Tuesday, August 25.

The second scheme, when COVID-19 has not completely disappeared, so there are restrictions or quota reduction.

"If it is announced that it is reduced by 50 percent from the current quota, of course there will be congregants who will depart again. This will also result in a longer waiting list, "he said.

Reducing the quota to 50 percent, said Nizar, will also have an impact on additional costs. Especially if the service process, both flights, accommodation and consumption, must apply health protocols. The aviation aspect, for example, an airplane that can usually accommodate 400 passengers, will only be filled with 200 people. Likewise, congregational buses in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, only 50 percent of passengers are allowed.

"Of course, health protocols will also be implemented in the Hajj dormitories, including the provision of swab services and isolation rooms," said Nizar.

The third scheme, said Nizar, when the COVID-19 outbreak was still high and could not be handled, there was the possibility of another cancellation of the departure of pilgrims.

"This scheme will continue to be matured in accordance with developments in handling COVID-19 in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the world," he said.