JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said service facilities for Indonesian pilgrims during the 1443H/2022M Hajj season in the Holy Land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia were ready and according to standards.
"Alhamdulillah, in general it is ready and in accordance with the expected standards. We will continue to strive to be able to provide the best service to Indonesian pilgrims," said the Minister of Religion in a written statement quoted by Antara, Friday, May 20.
The Minister of Religion is in Saudi Arabia to directly monitor the preparation of services for pilgrims. The Minister of Religion tried a number of infrastructure facilities available at the hotel, including driving one of the inter-city buses that will serve as a means of transportation for Indonesian pilgrims.
The hotels reviewed by the Minister of Religion are located in two different areas, namely the Al Khulafaa-3 Hotel in the Syisyah area with a capacity of 800 worshipers and the Tharawat Al-Rawda Hotel in the Raudhah 1 area with a capacity of 499 worshippers.
"I make sure the hotel's capacity is adequate and the facilities are in accordance with contract standards. I see the hotel is good," said the Minister of Religion.
The facilities that the Minister of Religion has tried include hotel lifts which are certain to function properly, although they have rarely been used in two years. Bathrooms, washing machines, and the availability of drinking water on each floor are also checked, including prayer and dining facilities.
To the hotel, the Minister of Religion asked to always maintain the cleanliness of the hotel and pay attention to the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. Moreover, the duration of the pilgrimage to stay at the hotel in Mecca is quite long, up to 25 days.
In addition to hotels, the Minister of Religion also reviewed transportation services at the Ajyad Terminal. The location of this terminal serves the Misfalah - Jiyad route. There, the Minister of Religion checked the readiness of intercity buses and prayer buses.
“I had also tried to drive one of the inter-city buses. The bus is still very good. The average new output, the age of manufacture is less than five years and looks well maintained," he continued.
He also asked transportation service providers to pay attention to the air conditioning so that the vehicle remains cool so that the congregation does not overheat, considering that the hajj season is expected to coincide with summer.
The Minister of Religion also did not forget to review the readiness of catering services at Al Jauhara Kitchen in the Mecca area to ensure the capacity of the kitchen, sanitation, cooking facilities used, and the process of storing food ingredients.
"I emphasize to catering service providers so that the menu and food flavors of the Indonesian congregation have the taste of the archipelago. The caterer must also ensure that food distribution is on time, not too late," he explained.
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