The 450 Pilgrims Of The First Surabaya Hajj Group, Who Were Released By Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, Have Returned To Their Homeland

A number of pilgrims from the first batch of pilgrims bowed in gratitude upon arrival at Terminal 2 of Juanda International Airport, Surabaya in Sidoarjo, East Java. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - A total of 450 hajj pilgrims from the Surabaya Debarkation group arrived at Juanda Airport in Sidoarjo on Sunday, June 17, morning. The pilgrims were then gathered at the Sukolilo Haji Dormitory before returning to their respective areas.

"The first batch landed at around 05.00 WIB this morning, then at 07.00 WIB was already at the Hajj Dormitory," said East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa as quoted by Antara.

The congregation of this initial group consisted of 446 people from Tuban Regency, plus four crew and health officers.

Upon departure, the first batch was released by the Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin accompanied by Governor Khofifah on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

Scheduled, the second batch which also carries 450 people will arrive at Juanda Airport on Sunday afternoon at 12.55 WIB.

The second batch consisted of 150 hajjis from Tuban Regency, 276 hajjis from Bojonegoro Regency, 20 hajjis from Surabaya City, plus four officers.

Governor Khofifah thanked all officers who so far have been well monitored in providing their services, starting from their departure early last month.

"This is all an extraordinary team work. Hopefully it will run smoothly and there will be no obstacles until all 38 groups arrive in Surabaya," said the number one person in the East Java Provincial Government.

Before welcoming the hajj pilgrims, the former minister of social affairs led a coordination meeting with various relevant policy makers to make the arrival process smooth, until they arrived at their respective regions of origin.

"Don't forget, currently there is still a COVID-19 pandemic, so the congregation must really maintain their health condition," said Khofifah.

"For guests who come to the homes of pilgrims to stay in touch, don't forget to wear masks together," said the first female governor in East Java.

Meanwhile, the Debarkation Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) for Surabaya Debarkation has prepared to welcome the arrival of all pilgrims who were recorded at the time of departure as many as 16,835 people.

"We have prepared various aspects, starting from the place of arrival, luggage and the health of the congregation," said Secretary of PPIH Surabaya Debarkation Abdul Haris.