Batam Still Waiting For Hajj Quota For 2022 Departure

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

BATAM - The Ministry of Religion of Batam City, Riau Islands Province is still waiting for the hajj quota from the central government for the departure of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2022.

"Because in Saudi Arabia there is a new rule, so in Indonesia it needs verification," said the Acting Head of the Hajj and Umrah Organizing Division of the Riau Islands Religious Affairs Ministry Edi Batara to Antara in Batam, Saturday, May 7.

He explained that his party had coordinated with the central government regarding the hajj quota from Batam.

"So while globally it doesn't exist, but hopefully later on May 9 we will have valid data for this hajj quota," said Edi.

For Batam embarkation, the government has determined that there are four provinces through Hang Nadim Batam embarkation, the first is Riau Islands, West Kalimantan, Jambi, and Riau.

"There are only two who stay at the Hajj hostel, the Riau Islands Province and West Kalimantan. Meanwhile, the two provinces of Riau and Jambi are only waiting for a moment to transit at Hang Nadim," he said.

Regarding the requirements for this year's pilgrimage, he said, there are indeed a few changes, such as the maximum age limit for pilgrims who are only up to 65 years old who can join the pilgrimage.

“Indeed, there were many who protested, because those over 65 years old could be shifted. Just one day can't. That's the decision of the Saudi Arabian government, so it's not Indonesia. So we follow the rules from Saudi Arabia, so hopefully it can run smoothly," said Edi.