Special Hajj Candidate Pilgrims Scheduled To Arrive In Medina Starting June 4

Special pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in Medina June 4, 2023, until five days before the peak of this year's hajj and quota of 17,680 people with an additional 640 people. A total of 18,320 special pilgrims.

The Head of Special Hajj Supervisory for Working Areas (Pander (Pahinter) Rudi N Ambary explained that the preparation for the arrival of special Hajj pilgrims was fully regulated and accommodated by the organizers of the Special Hajj (PIHK) or travel agencies that obtained permission from the Minister of Religion to hold special Hajj services.

"Unlike regular pilgrims whose implementation and implementation of the pilgrimage is the responsibility of the government," said Rudi as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 30.

The placement of special Hajj candidates, continued Rudi, is also different from regular Hajj rules. While they were in Medina, their place of stay should not be more than 750 meters from the Prophet's Mosque and an average distance of about 300 to 400 meters with five stars, a minimum of three stars.

"Our job is to monitor whether services are given to special pilgrims according to the standards set or not," said Rudi.

Including in terms of catering, special Hajj pilgrims get Notch food services, except at airports that get food in boxes.

"Even in Mecca, they get a good tent, air-conditioned, and close to throwing a sum," said Rudi, who emphasized that the facilities obtained by special Hajj pilgrims were adjusted to the agreement and packages purchased.

Asked about the special price of Hajj, Rudi said that in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Religion Number 226 of 2023 concerning the Travel Cost of Special Hajj was 8,000 US dollars with an initial deposit of 50 percent.

"In practice, the PIHK offers prices ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 US dollars according to the facilities and packages. The price depends on the facility," he said.

The waiting period for the current special Hajj, said Rudi, reaches seven years. Meanwhile, their stay period in Saudi Arabia is an average of 20 to 25 days and a maximum of 30 days.

Rudi emphasized that if there is a problem in the implementation of the special pilgrimage, then it is entirely the responsibility of PIHK, which this year there are 478 out of a total of 501, because 23 PIHKs are not active).

"We will carry out supervision starting from administrative services, accommodation, catering, transportation, to health. If there are irregularities, we can give a written warning until the permit is revoked," said Rudi.