Ministry Of Religion Affirms Indonesian Hajj Candidates Must Still Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Candidates for Hajj from West Kalimantan headed for the bus during the release event in Pontianak before heading to the Holy Land, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (ANTARA PHOTO-Jessica Helena Wuysang)

The Office of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) of Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan Province (Kalbar), stated that prospective pilgrims must continue to undergo the COVID-19 vaccine, which is one of the requirements to be able to go to Saudi Arabia.

"Prospective hajj candidates not only pay for Hajj fees, take care of passports and visas, but also must be vaccinated in anticipation and protection of the Hajj candidates themselves," said Head of the Hajj and Umrah Section of the Kapuas Hulu Ministry of Religion Ali Fahruddin, in Putussibau, West Kalimantan, Tuesday, February 20, confiscated by Antara.

Ali said that so far as many as 142 prospective hajj candidates in Kapuas Hulu have paid the Hajj Travel Fee (Bipih), but there are several other requirements that must be met, one of which will be vaccinated, which will also be applied equally to Hajj officers.

According to him, the most important thing is the health readiness of prospective hajj candidates, so it is necessary for prospective hajj participants to really pay attention and maintain health.

"Even though they have been vaccinated, they will keep their health and physical," he said.

Regarding the rituals of Hajj, Ali explained that the plan would be carried out after Eid al-Fitr 2024.

He advised the Hajj candidates to follow directions and prepare themselves so that all stages, from preparation to the implementation of the Hajj in the Holy Land, can run smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Kapuas Hulu Health Service (Dinkes) Special Referral Team, Indra Adiguna, explained that the COVID-19 vaccine is a requirement for the departure of the Hajj that has been set by Saudi Arabia, in which every prospective pilgrim is required to have a COVID-19 vaccine at least a booster vaccine.

"Prospective hajjes must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and must be vaccinated as a necessary condition before the hajj permit can be issued," he concluded.