Implementation Of 2024 Success, Indonesia Gets 221 Thousand Hajj Quota Next Year

Illustration of Hajj (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Indonesia received a quota of 221,000 people in Hajj operations in 1446 Hijri/2025 AD, which was announced in the closing ceremony of the 1445H Hajj pilgrimage.

This event was organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia in Makkah. There were leaders of Hajj delegates from various countries.

"I received information from the Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs 'Ayed Al Ghuwainim, and according to the letter I received, that Indonesia received 221,000 hajj quotas of 1446 H/2025 AD," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in Makkah, quoted by ANTARA Wednesday, June 19.

The Ministry of Religion appreciates the steps taken by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj which again announced the quota earlier. So that the preparation process for organizing the Hajj can also be carried out faster.

"Apresiasi juga atas ketegasan otoritas Saudi dalam menerapkan aturan terkait visa haji dan visa non haji," kata dia.

Yaqut assessed that the implementation of the 1445 H/2024 M pilgrimage was successful. There are a number of indicators.

First, congregational services at the arrival phase run smoothly. The quota for regular Hajj pilgrims is 213,320 people who are optimally absorbed, leaving only 45 people who cannot be replaced because the vision process has been closed.

"This is the smallest unabsorbed quota in more than 10 years of organizing the pilgrimage," said the Minister of Religion.

Second, the process of serving pilgrims in the arrival phase also runs smoothly, both in Medina and Makkah. Pilgrims can get catering services, transportation, accommodation, including congregational protection, and worship guidance.

"In fact, Indonesia is the largest sender of pilgrims in the world. This is definitely not an easy task. Fast track services for the first time in three embarkations, Jakarta, Solo and Surabaya are also running smoothly," he said.

In addition, catering services can even be provided until the peak of the hajj.

The third successful indicator, said Yaqut, the Hajj peak process went smoothly. The mitigation effort carried out by the Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) together with the Saudi authorities has succeeded in smoothing the process of moving the congregation from Arafah to Muzdalifah and Mina.

"The Murur scheme or passing through Muzdalifah received a lot of appreciation. The congregation can depart early, at 07.37 Saudi time it is no longer in Muzdalifah. This should be grateful," said Yaqut.

Regarding some dynamics in Mina, he said, it would be part to be evaluated. According to him, Mina's territory is clearly limited and very limited. With a quota of 213,320 people, the available space is less than 0.8 square meters per person.

"Mina has always been like that. Since the quota returned to normal in 2017, the issue has always been a matter of density. So, receiving an additional quota has always been a blessing as well as a challenge," said Yaqut.