In The Aftermath Of A Bus Accident In Medina, The House Of Representatives To Umrah Organizers: Don't Just Use Cheap Vehicles

Bus carcasses as a result of the accident killed 6 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims on the Madinah-Makkah highway in Wadi Qudaid, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (ANTARA-HO-Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI from the PKB faction, Maman Imanulhaq asked Hajj and Umrah organizers to evaluate the aftermath of a bus accident carrying Indonesian Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia last week. A total of 6 Indonesian pilgrims died in the incident.

Maman initially expressed his deep condolences for the accident that occurred in Medina. Moreover, there were PKB cadres who were also victims of the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by the incident of a bus trip between Medina and Mecca which resulted in casualties. Inside is a member of the DPRD from PKB, from Bojonegoro, namely Mbak Eny," said Maman Imanulhaq, Monday, March 24.

Maman also encouraged an evaluation of the implementation of Umrah and Hajj so that similar incidents do not happen again. Including in terms of transportation that must meet strict safety standards.

"This concern brings deep sorrow, as well as raises a serious evaluation of the future implementation of Umrah and Hajj," said the legislator from the West Java IX electoral district.

"That transportation equipment used by Umrah pilgrims and also Hajj must meet safety standards for the congregation, including of course the driver," added Maman.

The member of the House of Representatives Commission also reminded that during the Hajj season sometimes there are drivers who do not know the travel route and violate safety rules. This, according to Maman, will be a record evaluation of Commission VIII of the DPR with the Government so that no Indonesian pilgrims experience similar incidents.

"We know that when (the implementation of) Hajj there is sometimes an impromptu driver, it does not go through an adequate certification process. They do not know the route and even carry out its driving outside the provisions. This is certainly an important note," he said.

Furthermore, Maman emphasized the importance of the role of guides to remind drivers to be careful when driving when bringing the congregation. He said the guides must also actively check the condition of the vehicles used by the congregation so that they are always in good condition.

"Likewise for guides, muthowifs always remind motorists not to be reckless on the road. Including maybe guides who have the responsibility to check vehicles that the congregation will ride," said Maman.

"Don't just use a vehicle, don't just go home because you have a cheap price, finally use it and cause an accident. Once again, deep condolences for the victims of the bus accident and of course hopefully there will be no further victims," he continued.

As is known, the bus carrying 20 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims had an accident and then caught fire at Wadi Qudeid (Madinah-Mecca Road) about 150 km from Jeddah City on Thursday, March 20, then. A total of 6 Indonesian pilgrims were reported to have died, one of whom was a member of the Bojonegoro Regency DPRD, Eny Soedarwati.

The accident also injured a number of pilgrims from Indonesia, and is still receiving treatment at a Saudi Arabian hospital.