Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin hopes that the Government of Saudi Arabia will provide convenience for pilgrims from Indonesia, one of which is by bringing the location of the tent closer to the location for throwing the jumrah in Mina.
“It would be very wise if the placement of these pilgrims is closer to the jamarat,” said Ma’ruf Amin to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs Tawfiq Fawzan Muhammed Alrabiah during his visit at the Vice President’s Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday.
The request for convenience is based on the condition of most of the pilgrims from Indonesia who are elderly, he said, so that they are not physically as strong as pilgrims from other countries with a relatively young age.
In addition, Ma’ruf Amin also asked the Government of Saudi Arabia to provide additional hajj quota for Indonesia.
“We have a lot of pilgrims and some of them queue up to 41 years. Therefore, it will be very happy if our Hajj quota is increased because of a very special problem for Indonesia,” he explained.
He also asked that there be no more regulations regarding the age limit for pilgrims from Indonesia because the queues for the pilgrimage are quite long in Indonesia.
“In fact, there are also those who are waiting for a long time, then some are already old, so it becomes a problem if there is an age restriction; because the queue is long, then when they get it they cannot (go) because of the age limit,” he said.
Responding to the request, Tawfiq Fawzan promised to follow up with the relevant ranks in his government.
“I promise in front of His Excellency the Vice President; after I return from here, I will immediately discuss the placement of Indonesian pilgrims in Mina,” said Tawfiq.
Although Ma’ruf Amin’s request may not apply to all congregations, he said, he will still try to do his best.
“We have to admit that Mina is a very narrow and small place, so we have to think about it to be able to fulfill what is expected,” he explained.
According to Tawfiq, the Saudi Arabian government is currently looking for solutions so that Mina can accommodate more pilgrims, including by trying to penetrate the mountains there.
“The mountains in Mina are difficult to penetrate, but we will try. Then, at least we will give special attention to Indonesian pilgrims in order to get a proper and appropriate place,” he said.
The government of Saudi Arabia continues to strive to provide the best service to pilgrims from Indonesia. Apart from the large number, it is also because of the very close relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
“The Saudi Arabian government is focused on providing the best service for pilgrims, especially from Indonesia, and especially for Indonesia. The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia is very strong,” said Tawfiq Fawzan. (mhn/bbs)
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