34 Aceh Calhaj Delay Departure Despite Paying Bipih

Illustration - Pilgrims of the 4th Aceh Embarkation Hajj candidate while attending the release ceremony at the Aceh Embarkation Dormitory, Banda Aceh, Friday (17/6/2022). ANTARA/Khalis Surry

BANDA ACEH - The Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) Aceh said as many as 34 prospective hajj pilgrims from Aceh chose to postpone their departure to the Holy Land this year, even though they had paid the Hajj Travel Fee (Bipih).

Head of the Aceh Ministry of Religion Office Azhari said the Aceh hajj quota in 2023 was 4,378 people, but 3,343 people were leaving, and the remaining 34 quotas were canceled.

"The remaining quota has actually paid off (Bipih) but has not left, meaning that it has paid off, has the right to leave, but for various reasons it has not left," said Azhari as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 22.

He explained that the congregation who did not leave was due to various obstacles, ranging from health factors to family members who died, so they did not leave. They were also asked to provide a statement of postponement of departure.

"Congregants will depart in 12 groups. In the 12th batch, only 97 of our congregation will be joined by pilgrims from Lombok," said Azhari.

For the first batch of pilgrims, he said, they began to enter the dormitory on Tuesday (23/5) morning. Then, it will be continued with release at night, and departure to Mecca via Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport, Aceh Besar, on Wednesday (24/5) morning.

The Aceh Embarkation Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) has also prepared various needs to serve pilgrims while in dormitories, ranging from health check locations, documents, to special service places for pilgrims. Moreover, this year's Hajj is the majority of the elderly group.

"God willing, after the isya prayer on Tuesday (23/5) tomorrow there will be a release by the Inspector General of the Ministry of Religion, together with the Acting Governor of Aceh," he said.

This year, PPIH Embarkation Aceh dispatched 4,343 pilgrims, including 1,729 men and 2,614 women, with 1,520 elderly pilgrims aged between 65 and 100 years.

The youngest pilgrim named Abizar Al Aqsha is 18 years old from Bireuen Regency, while the oldest congregation named Muhammad Taher Abdussalam is 100 years old from Gayo Lues Regency.

"Aceh this year has received blessings, the congregation is placed in a location close to the Grand Mosque. Congregants can walk to the Grand Mosque," said Azhari.