Banda Aceh, The Indonesia Post – Deputy Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi stated that the Indonesian government was still waiting for a decision from the Saudi Arabian Government regarding the certainty of the departure for the Hajj pilgrimage in 1443 Hijri or 2022.
“For the pilgrimage until now we have not received confirmation from the Government of Saudi Arabia,” said Zainut during a visit to Banda Aceh City, Friday.
He explained that there were signs that the Government of Saudi Arabia would open the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage to international pilgrims. Of course, with the mechanism and implementation of strict health protocols, considering that it is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, the Government of Indonesia is currently waiting for an invitation from the Government of Saudi Arabia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the quota of pilgrims for Indonesia.
“We are waiting for an invitation to enter into an MoU with Saudi Arabia, how much quota will be given to Indonesia,” he said.
The Indonesian government will continue to implement three options in organizing the 2022 hajj pilgrimage, namely asking for quotas for Indonesia to be given in full, then a limited quota option, or the third option, namely Indonesia not leaving at all.
“Hopefully, Saudi Arabia will give Indonesia the full option,” he said.
In addition, he said, the Ministry of Religion is also implementing a one-gate policy (OGP) scheme for Umrah services. The point is to ensure that the departure process for Umrah pilgrims is safe and under control.
This means that before the pilgrims depart for the Holy Land, the Umrah pilgrims will undergo quarantine for one day in the Hajj hostel, to ensure travel documents and health documents.
He assessed that the implementation of the one-door policy was also part of the simulation of the one-door pilgrims’ departure before facing the hajj season.
“This is also part of the simulation (departure) of our Hajj pilgrimage for the month of Zulhijjah later. Let’s pray that this year’s Hajj can be held, because it’s been two seasons we haven’t held Hajj,” said Zainut. (ojn/bbs)
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