KPU: Indonesian Citizens Of Umrah Congregations On February 14 Can't Vote In Saudi Arabia

KPU chairman Hasyim Asy'ari (central) delivered a statement at the Joint Press Conference for the Implementation of Foreign Elections at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Monday (5/2/2024). (ANTARA/Yashinta Difa)

Chairman of the General Election Commission (KPU) Hasyim Asy'ari emphasized that Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are undergoing Umrah in Saudi Arabia on voting day on February 14, 2024, cannot vote for them in the election.

"If there are Umrah pilgrims who happen to be there on February 14, I make sure they cannot vote because the voting in Jeddah will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024," said Hasyim at a press conference for the Implementation of Foreign Elections reported by ANTARA, Monday, February 5.

In addition to the early voting schedule in Saudi Arabia, Hasyim also explained the possibility that Umrah pilgrims could vote there very small due to the limited ballot provided.

According to him, the Jeddah Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) only provides ballots according to the number of voters registered in the Saudi Arabia's Permanent Voter List (DPTLN).

The number of Indonesian citizens who are included in the DPTLN in Saudi Arabia is 54,479 people. The KPU has also prepared a backup ballot of 2 percent of the total voters in the DPTLN for Indonesian citizens who have not been registered.

"But we prioritize voters registered with the DPT," said Hasyim.

In order to anticipate the presence of Umrah pilgrims who vote in Saudi Arabia, the KPU has coordinated with the Ministry of Religion and the Ministry of Tourism regarding appeals for Umrah and tourism travel bureaus.

"The point is that it is hoped that the departure of Umrah pilgrims as much as possible will return on February 13, 2024 so that our citizens after Umrah can vote in their respective hometowns," he said.

For Indonesian citizens who will undergo Umrah, Hasyim suggested that they leave after the voting day.