Hajj 2023, Ministry Of Religion: 15 Times Departure Delay And Highest

Illustration of the departure of Indonesian pilgrims (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Changes and delays in the flight schedule of Indonesian pilgrims in 2023 are quite high, the figure is more than 15 times the delay or schedule change.

The government through the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has asked airlines, both Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines, to be more cooperative and informative in informing each change or delay in flights of Hajj participants.

"Maskapai, baik Saudia Airlines maupun Garuda Indonesia, harus lebih kooper dalam menginformasikan setiap perubahan atau terlayatan penerbangan. Masapai juga harus lebih solutif," ujar Direktur Pelayanan Haji Dalam Negeri Kemenag Saiful Mujab dikutip ANTARA, Senin 5 Juni.

Mujab said the rate of change and delay in the flight schedule of Indonesian pilgrims in 2023 was quite high, the figure was more than 15 times the delay or schedule change.

In fact, it is currently still in the first wave of departure from May 24 to June 7, 2023. This change in schedule has an effect on the process of the stages of the pilgrimage.

"Each airline that places its representatives in the Hajj dormitory is not only to prepare a schedule, but also to explain and apologize to the congregation if there is a change in the flight schedule. Because the previously agreed schedule has been socialized to the congregation," he said.

The Ministry of Religion asks that this flight schedule be a serious concern for the airline so that delays do not continue. What is the contract agreement must be fulfilled.

Mujab reminded airlines that changes in flight schedules resulted in dominoes disturbing the fulfillment of services to pilgrims, both in Hajj dormitories, as well as in Medina and Mecca.

This is because it is related to the residence, capacity, and rotation of the congregation in the Hajj dormitory. Moreover, the services in Saudi Arabia that have been contracted to serve pilgrims on schedule have become inefficient.

"We hope that the potential schedule change can be minimized. If there is a schedule change, the contract has stated that the notification is at least 2x24 hours before departure. Do not suddenly or even be notified after it occurs," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Religion protested to Garuda Indonesia airline about the departure of 328 participants in the Hajj pilgrimage for the 4 Banjarmasin Embarkation Group (BDJ 04) which was delayed due to technical damage to Garuda Indonesia aircraft.

The flying group 4 BDJ 04 was originally scheduled to be dispatched to the Holy Land on June 3, 2023 at 02.40 WITA. As scheduled, the pilgrims for Hajj departed from Samsuddin Noor Airport on June 2, 2023, at 23.00 WITA.

However, the Hajj candidates finally returned to the Hajj Dormitory because there was information about the aircraft's technical damage.

"We ask Garuda to apologize and hope that compensation will be given to the congregation," he said.