Hajj Uninterrupted After Saudi Arabia Bans Travel to Indonesia: Minister

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs has confirmed that hajj pilgrimage this year will not be impacted by the recent COVID-related regulation announced by the government of Saudi Arabia that bans its citizens from traveling to 16 countries, including Indonesia.

Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said that according to the latest information provided by Saudi Arabia, there’s currently no adjustments made to hajj even though the restriction has been regulated in relation to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

“I don’t think [it will affect hajj because] it’s under different authority. However, based on my communication with the Saudi Arabian government, so far, there hasn’t been any impact. And hopefully, [the travel ban] can be lifted,” Qoumas said on Wednesday, May 25, as reported by Antara.

The first batch of hajj pilgrim from Indonesia is set to depart to Medina on June 4, and Indonesian authorities have ensured that all supporting aspects are prepared, including accommodation, food, and others.

Earlier, considering the latest COVID-19 situation, Saudi Arabia banned its citizens from traveling to 16 countries. These countries are Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Armenia, Belarus, and Venezuela.