Vice President Asks Ministry Of Religion And Umrah Travel To Educate About Rules In Saudi

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin gave a press statement after witnessing the inauguration of the 2014 Province of West Kalimantan, Pontianak, Wednesday (27/3/2024). ANTARA/HO-Secretariat Vice President

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin asked the Ministry of Religion and Umrah associations and Umrah travel to educate prospective Umrah pilgrims about the rules in force in Saudi Arabia.

The Vice President assessed that the education provided could prevent Umrah pilgrims from cases that could potentially involve them with the security forces of Saudi Arabia.

"I hope that the Ministry of Religion cooperates with Umrah associations or travel circles to educate the public so that those who are Umrah understand the rules in Saudi, yes," said the Vice President in a press statement reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 27.

This statement is in response to the incident of five Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia who reportedly could not return to their homeland.

They were arrested unilaterally by Saudi Arabian security forces on Tuesday (12/3) while sitting on the side of the road. As a result of being accused of violating the applicable law, the five were imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.

The vice president also stated that the government through the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah had provided advocacy assistance.

"There has been some kind of advocacy assistance from the Indonesian Consulate General's Office. I thank the Indonesian Consulate General for continuing to guide them so that they cannot return because there is a problem," he said.

Therefore, the Vice President asked the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) to provide education to the public. In this case, the Ministry of Religion can collaborate with Umrah organizations or travel groups.

He also did not want Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia to be considered to have exceeded the rules set by the Government of Saudi Arabia.