Ministry Of Religion: Indonesia Is Still Waiting For Saudi Arabia To Confirm The 2022 Hajj

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BANDA ACEH - Deputy Minister of Religion Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi said the Indonesian government was still waiting for a decision from the Saudi Arabian government regarding the certainty of the departure for the 1443 hijri pilgrimage or 2022.

"For the pilgrimage, we have not received confirmation from the Saudi Arabian government," said Zainut during a visit to Banda Aceh City, quoted by Antara, Friday, January 21.

He explained that there were signs that the Saudi Arabian government would open the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage to international pilgrims. Of course, with the mechanism and implementation of strict health protocols, considering that it is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, the Indonesian government is currently waiting for an invitation from the Saudi Arabian government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the quota for Hajj pilgrims for Indonesia.

"We are waiting for an invitation to enter into an MoU with Saudi Arabia, how much quota will be given to Indonesia," he said.

The Indonesian government will continue to implement three options in organizing the 2022 hajj pilgrimage, namely asking for quotas for Indonesia to be given in full, then a limited quota option, or the third option, namely Indonesia not leaving at all.

"Hopefully, Saudi Arabia will give Indonesia the full option," he said.

In addition, he said, the Ministry of Religion is also implementing a one-gate policy (OGP) scheme for Umrah services. The point is to ensure that the departure process for Umrah pilgrims is safe and under control.

This means that before the pilgrims depart for the Holy Land, the Umrah pilgrims will undergo a one-day quarantine in the Hajj dormitory, to ensure travel documents and health documents.

The Deputy Minister of Religion assessed that the implementation of the one-door policy was also part of the simulation of one-door pilgrims' departure before facing the hajj season.

"This is also part of the simulation (departure) of our Hajj pilgrimage for the month of Zulhijjah later. Let's pray that this year's Hajj can be held, because we have not held Hajj for two seasons," said Zainut.