Minister Of Religion Nasaruddin Umar Apologizes For Obstacles In Organizing Hajj 2025

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar. (ANTARA)

Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar apologized to all Indonesian pilgrims for the various obstacles that occurred during the implementation of the pilgrimage.

"As amirulhaj and the minister of religion, I apologize to the congregation," said Minister of Religion Nasaruddin in Makkah, quoted from ANTARA.

He conveyed that the peak phase of the pilgrimage in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina had ended and in general went well. However, there are still a number of important notes related to matters that cause inconvenience to the congregation.

Some of the obstacles experienced by the congregation include the separation of residences between husband and wife, parents, and between the elderly and their companions in Makkah. In Arafah, there is also a problem of placing tents.

Meanwhile, in Muzdalifah, the pick-up process was delayed due to traffic jams, so the evacuation only finished at 09.40 local time, 40 minutes late from the original target.

"Congestion and delay in evacuation in Muzdalifah are not only experienced by Indonesian pilgrims, but also by pilgrims from other countries who use the same taraddudi route," he explained.

Nevertheless, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin appreciated the efforts of the Government of Saudi Arabia in improving the quality of Hajj services this year. He agreed on the statement of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia Taufiq Al Rabiah and Deputy Governor of Makkah to concurrently Deputy Chair of the Hajj and Umrah Committee Prince Saud bin Mish al, that this year's Hajj program showed a significant increase.

This increase is supported by infrastructure improvement, water availability, and health services. In addition, the death rate of pilgrims was also recorded to be lower than in previous years.

"Alhamdulillah, until now the death rate of the congregation is lower. Hopefully this condition will last until all pilgrims return to the country," he added.

Hajj operations 1446 H/2025 AD have now entered the repatriation stage. The first wave of the congregation's return will take place from 11-25 June 2025.

A total of 266 flying groups (cluters) that previously landed in Medina are now scheduled to return via King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Today I released the departure of the first batch of pilgrims from the Makassar (UPG 01) embarkation from their hotel in the Shisah area to Medina. Alhamdulillah, the congregation is in good health and happy because they have completed the entire series of Hajj services," said Menagi.

Meanwhile, Indonesian pilgrims from the second wave will move from Makkah to Medina starting June 18, 2025. They are scheduled to stay for about nine days in the city of the Prophet before returning to Indonesia.

The repatriation process for the second wave will take place from June 26 to July 10, 2025.

"To all pilgrims, I advise them to take care of their health and maintain their hajj. Air Zamzam will be distributed upon arrival at the embarkation," concluded Menagi.