Vice President Asks Airlines To Keep The Schedule For Hajj Departure

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin gave a statement to reporters in Batam, Riau Islands, Wednesday (7/6/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BPMI Setwapres)

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin asked airlines to keep the schedule set to send pilgrims to the Holy Land.

This was conveyed by the Vice President referring to a number of delays in departures that had been experienced by the first batch of Hajj groups from Indonesia.

"I hope the airline meets the schedule that has been agreed upon and avoided by the delay," said the Vice President when giving a press statement after reviewing the Batamdo Green Farm in Batam, Riau Islands, reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 7.

According to the Vice President, flight delays will have a negative impact on pilgrims, especially those from remote areas.

"Our Hajj pilgrims come from the villages, then enter the embarkation, it (it's already) quite tiring. If he has to wait again, it's tired of getting more, it hasn't gotten there yet," said the Vice President.

Moreover, this year, pilgrims from Indonesia are dominated by elderly pilgrims who are a priority after delaying departures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For this reason, the Vice President emphasized that there would be no more delays in departures, as was the request of the Ministry of Religion.

"I have also heard that the Ministry of Religion itself has made a call so that there will be no more delays, and if there are delays, of course there are consequences that must be compensated to the congregation," said the Vice President.