Ministry Of Religion Departs 489 PPIH To Saudi Arabia, Preparations Ahead Of The Departure Of Pilgrims For Hajj Candidates May 24

The Ministry of Religion has begun to dispatch Hajj Organizers (PPIH) officers to Saudi Arabia. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government, in this case the Ministry of Religion, has begun to dispatch Hajj Organizers (PPIH) to Saudi Arabia. In this first wave, 489 PPIHs were dispatched.

This departure is an initial preparation for welcoming pilgrims who will be flown in on May 24, 2023.

"Do your best, follow the SOP, obey the instructor or coordinator for all the tasks you will do," said Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief, Saturday, May 20.

A total of 489 PPIH consists of 100 Airport Work Area Hajj officers (Danner), 248 Daker Madinah Hajj officers, 12 officers at the Jeddah Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), and 129 health workers.

The release of these officers was carried out at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Jakarta. They were flown to Saudi Arabia on Saturday afternoon.

Hilman hopes that the presence of PPIH Saudi Arabia will support Indonesian Hajj services.

"Ladies and gentlemen are representatives of the Indonesian nation, who come from various elements. Therefore, we advise, please maintain Indonesia's dignity and good name," he said.

He said that during the Hajj season 1444 H/2023 AD, 4,000 officers would be deployed to provide services while in the Holy Land. Hilman also explained that the officers came from various sectors.

"The presence of the Saudi Arabian PPIH which was recruited from various elements of the government and civil society is expected to support the service for the best Indonesian pilgrims," he said.

He expects PPIHs to provide optimal service, especially to the elderly (elderly) considering the number reaches around 64 thousand people.

"Congratulations on carrying out your duties. Also remember that this year we have the tagline 'Hajj is friendly for the elderly'. So, provide the best service to Indonesian pilgrims," he said.

Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Ace Hasan Sadzily, said that the Hajj officers were chosen people to serve God's guests.

"Take advantage of the opportunity you get. You are assigned to serve God's guests. Because that's our message, straighten out our intention to serve the congregation," he said.

Operations for organizing the 1444 H/2023 M Hajj will begin on May 24, 2023, marked by the departure of pilgrims for flying group (kloter) 1 pilgrims. They will be flown from Indonesia to Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport (AMAA) Medina.