Indonesia Awaits Hajj Confirmation from Saudi Arabia

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is waiting for confirmation related to hajj this year, days after Saudi Arabia eased restrictions in Mecca and Medina and reopened them for foreign pilgrims.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi said he’s expecting Saudi Arabia to provide further information on hajj pilgrimage this year and whether Indonesian pilgrims will also be allowed entry.

“I hope this indicates that 2022’s hajj pilgrimage will be allowed for all countries, including Indonesia,” Sa'adi said on Wednesday, March 9, as reported by Antara.

He said, in the meantime, the Ministry will work on necessary preparations while awaiting Saudi Arabia’s confirmation. Team from the directorate general of hajj and umrah is currently in the Western Asia country to prepare services for Indonesians during their pilgrimage. It has also formulated a scenario to respond to Saudi Arabia’s latest policy, including estimating the cost of hajj that Indonesian pilgrims will have to pay.

Sa'adi also expects Saudi Arabia to invite countries with large number of hajj pilgrims to sign memorandum of understanding related to the pilgrimage, including quota for each country.

“Hopefully, there will be decision soon, so Minister [Yaqut Cholil Qoumas] can go to Saudi Arabia and establish strategic plans related to the preparation of hajj,” the deputy said.

Saudi Arabia’s government has lifted COVID-related restrictions, including mandatory RT-PCR test, social distancing, and quarantine for travelers.

Director general of hajj and umrah Hilman Latief has said that the measures taken by the Indonesian government will align with rules set by Saudi Arabia.