Ministry Of Religion Prepares Umrah And Hajj Services, This Is Minister Of Religion Yaqut's Request

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JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion is preparing to provide professional, inclusive, and non-discriminatory Umrah and Hajj services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Minister of Religion (Yaqut Cholil) asked for preparations to be carried out swiftly and carefully, both regarding congregations, PPIU and PIHK, health protocols, and other preparations," said Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief, quoted from Antara, Sunday, October 31.

As quoted in a press release from the Ministry of Religion, Hilman stated the importance of professionalism and openness in the implementation of Hajj and Umrah services.

In addition, he said, the diversity of the background of the area of origin, culture, and traditions of the congregation also need to be considered in the implementation of Hajj and Umrah services.

"The congregation has a variety of religious traditions and backgrounds. All must be served properly," said Hilman.

Meanwhile, the Director of Umrah and Special Hajj, Nur Arifin, said that the Ministry of Religion was coordinating with the Ministry of Health in preparing for the implementation of Umrah services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are very serious in preparing the implementation of the Umrah pilgrimage because the success of Umrah during the pandemic will be the way for the successful implementation of the Hajj," he said.

He also explained that the government was continuing to negotiate with the Government of Saudi Arabia so that the majority of Indonesian pilgrims who received injections of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac could perform Umrah and Hajj without having to undergo a third dose of vaccination.