JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion has asked all Organizers of Special Hajj (PIHK) to be able to guarantee health protection for special pilgrims.
"We still find cases of pilgrims confused when they fall ill because there is no clear reference, no accompanying doctors, and insurance cannot be used immediately," said Director of Bina Umrah and Special Hajj at the Ministry of Religion Nugraha Stiawan as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 9.
The Ministry of Religion affirms its commitment to tighten worship services for special pilgrims this year. The main emphasis is put on the protection aspect of pilgrims, ranging from the readiness of referral hospitals to the provision of insurance which is not just a formality.
Nugraha said one of the PIHK's obligations was official cooperation with hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
He conveyed that special hajj candidates are often elderly or those who need special attention. Therefore, services to them must be based on complete readiness, not just technical travel matters.
According to him, every PIHK must have a concrete and accessible emergency handling scenario at any time.
"This includes the clarity of referral hospitals, the presence of doctors who are always on standby, and an active emergency communication system," he said.
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In an effort to strengthen protection, the Directorate of Umrah and Special Hajj is currently formulating the minimum insurance standards that must be owned by each PIHK.
"Insurance is not just an attachment of documents. This must be a real protection instrument for pilgrims while in the Holy Land," he said.
The first flying group (cluter) for special Hajj candidates will depart on May 13, 2025. Of the total Indonesian hajj quota, as many as 8 percent or 17,680 people are special pilgrims.
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