Umrah Congregants Depart During Omicron Spread, COVID-19 Task Force: Fulfillment Of The Right To Worship

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JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force (Satgas) Wiku Adisasmito said the departure of 419 Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia today or Saturday, January 8 is a form of fulfilling the right to worship.

He emphasized that this departure was also in accordance with strict health protocols. The goal is to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, especially at this time the spread of Omicron is happening at home and abroad.

"The requirement for a centralized departure gate and the requirement for a complete vaccination history are precautionary measures. The government dispatches the congregation to fulfill their right to worship," Wiku told reporters, Saturday, January 8.

Furthermore, Wiku ensures that the implementation of Umrah runs smoothly. Not only that, the government is ready to conduct an evaluation related to these worship activities.

"The government will continue to monitor implementation and evaluate quickly and accurately," he stressed.

As previously reported, hundreds of Indonesian pilgrims went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. This is the first Umrah departure after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The departure of hundreds of pilgrims was released by the Director-General of Hajj and Umrah (PHU) Hilman Latief representing the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

In his remarks, Hilman asked the congregation to comply with applicable regulations in order to maintain trust between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

"Keep the trust of the Government of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Show that Indonesian Umrah pilgrims comply with the rules, in particular, comply with the health protocols that have been established," Hilman said as quoted in his written statement, Saturday, January 8.

He said health protocols must be adhered to. The reason is, the current COVID-19 pandemic is still not over.

Furthermore, Hilman said that his party was finalizing regulations regarding the implementation of Umrah during the pandemic. Including, system integration with the government of Saudi Arabia so that the quality of service and protection of the congregation continues to increase.