Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Suggests Volunteers Who Help Elderly Calhaj Are Given Incentives

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy is talking with prospective pilgrims at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic, in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Saturday (3/6). BETWEEN/HO/MCH 2023

MADINAH - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy proposed providing incentives for volunteers who help prospective pilgrims (elderly).

Muhadjir made the proposal because he witnessed that many elderly people were guarded and accompanied by fellow congregants, especially those from one area.

"I see that in Makkah many of the pilgrims voluntarily become companions even though they are not family and therefore I suggest that the Ministry of Religion should give their appreciation," said Muhadjir, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, June 3.

Muhadjir supports the policy of the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas which eliminates companions for elderly pilgrims and the task of accompanying elderly pilgrims is now fully handed over to the Hajj Organizers (PPIH).

"Indeed, this year we must pay special attention to the elderly. I support and appreciate the steps taken by the Minister of Religion YaqutCholilQoumas, which prohibits any companions, because if the policy is made it will create injustice," said Coordinating Minister Muhadjir.

According to Muhadjir, based on previous experience, the presence of companions often takes other pilgrims who are more entitled.

"If it is abolished, I think it will be very good, only the Ministry of Religion must prepare a serious accompanying team, so that there are no elderly people who are not accompanied," he said.

Muhadjir also conveyed a message from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for Indonesian pilgrims to carry out worship in the Holy Land well and maintain their health, because not everyone has the opportunity to worship Hajj.

"Anyway, good worship, take advantage of this rare opportunity, because not all Muslims in Indonesia have the opportunity," said Muhadjir.

This, he said, was not only due to financial problems, but also an opportunity that was increasingly difficult due to the limited quota.

The President, continued Muhadjir, also advised the elderly pilgrims to maintain their health and ask all parties to pay special attention to them.

"We must pay special attention to the elderly who are classified as seniors and I support and appreciate the Ministry of Religion's steps to prohibit elderly companions," he said.

A total of 6,277 Indonesian Hajj candidates from 18 groups and seven embarkations moved from Medina to Makkah, Saturday (3/6) to perform mandatory Umrah.

On the same day, the congregation who departed from Indonesia to Medina reached 8,137 out of 21 groups.