Heavy Challenges For Hajj Officers This Year, What Are?

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) stated that after two years of delaying the implementation of the hajj due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the expectations of the hajj pilgrims for the 1443H/2022M pilgrimage were high, making it a challenge for officers to provide the best service.

"This year the challenge is quite big. The expectations of the Hajj pilgrims are quite high. The officers have never served. We hope that the officers will carry out their duties well even though time is limited," said Head of Sub-Directorate for Hajj Officers at the Ministry of Religion, Suvianto, quoted from Antara, Saturday, May 21.

He said another challenge that needed to be addressed was that most of this year's hajj officers had never been to the Holy Land, so they needed to be given an understanding of their respective duties in the sector. Moreover, the short training time is only a week from 16-22 May 2022.

A total of 841 prospective hajj officers underwent technical guidance for the Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Jakarta. A total of 1,901 PPHI were recruited to serve Indonesian pilgrims this year.

After gaining theory and increasing understanding for a few days, the prospective hajj officers conducted a post rehearsal to practice and know their duties in serving the congregation.

"Today's activity is to find out how far the technical guidance materials for officers have been implemented," he said.

During the post rehearsal, a simulation of the arrival of the pilgrims at the airport was carried out until their services arrived at the prepared hotels and the handling of various problems faced by the pilgrims.

The rehearsal also showcased the tasks that must be carried out by Hajj officers in welcoming guests of Allah SWT, from providing transportation services, accommodation, consumption to worship services until the peak of the pilgrimage.

According to him, the crucial point of the pilgrimage as before is the peak of the pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdhalifah and Mina (Armuzna) where all Muslims performing the pilgrimage gather to perform wukuf in Arafah, mabit or spend the night in Mina to throw the jamarat.

"Preparations for the pilgrimage are now ready, just waiting for the departure of the first batch of congregants, which is scheduled to be flown from the country to Medina on June 4, 2022," said Suvianto.