Cak Imin Asks Hajj Pilgrims To Anticipate Extreme Weather In Saudi

Candidates for Hajj at the Grand Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia in July 2021. (BETWEEN PHOTOS-REUTERS-Ahmed Yosri)

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Muhaimin Iskandar asked the Government, especially the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) and the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), to take anticipatory steps against extreme weather in Saudi Arabia. According to him, the government must be prepared for all possibilities that may occur to the prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

“Currently extreme weather is happening in the Holy Land. From the beginning there must be preparations by optimizing socialization and education to all pilgrims before leaving for the Hajj," said Muhaimin Iskandar, Wednesday, June 8.

Currently, Saudi Arabia is experiencing summer with an average temperature of 40 to 44 degrees Celsius. In fact, the temperature could be even higher than expected.

Therefore, said Muhaimin, education is very important so that all pilgrims understand what they will face and must do when carrying out the Hajj in times of extreme weather.

"We must maintain the safety of the people who carry out the Hajj. The government and the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) need to always monitor every movement of prospective Hajj pilgrims in the Holy Land," he said.

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have started arriving in Saudi Arabia to begin the series of Hajj 1443 Hijri/2022. The departure batch of Indonesian Hajj candidates will continue until mid-June.

"We hope that PPIH and Indonesian Hajj Health Officers will always stand by to meet the needs of prospective Hajj pilgrims so that extreme weather problems in Saudi Arabia do not hinder pilgrims during their worship," said Muhaimin.

The legislator from the East Java VIII electoral district also reminded the Hajj committee to prepare adequate medical facilities, as well as strategic accommodation with proper facilities. Muhaimin added that food intake for Hajj pilgrims must meet good nutritional standards.

"The health condition of the prospective Hajj pilgrims must always be considered by the Hajj committee so that they can carry out their worship solemnly," said the DPR Leader for the Korkesra Sector, one of which includes religion.

Muhaimin also asked the Hajj committee to always remind Hajj pilgrims to get enough rest so that they can always be primed when worshiping. He advised the committee to always pay attention to the scheduling of the Hajj pilgrims.

“I personally urge the Hajj pilgrims to always be vigilant. Maintain a good diet and pay attention to the need for drinking water to prevent dehydration during worship," Muhaimin advised.

“Bring some dates so that when you are tired, the nutritional intake can help increase energy. And reduce unnecessary activities to save energy," he concluded.