As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world are gearing up for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca known as the Hajj. This year, the first group of pilgrims to take to the skies will be departing on May 24 from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. This historic event marks the first time that a Hajj group from Indonesia will be taking off on this date, and it is expected to be a momentous occasion for both the pilgrims and the Indonesian community at large. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting development and what it means for the country.
The Religious Affairs Ministry of Indonesia has announced that the first group of Hajj pilgrims for the 2023/1444 Hijri pilgrimage will leave for Saudi Arabia on May 24, 2023, via 14 different Hajj embarkation points throughout Indonesia. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent resumption of pilgrim quotas, the number of Indonesian pilgrims has returned to normal with a limit of 221,000 people, which includes 203,320 regular pilgrims and 17,680 special pilgrims. Of the total, 67,000 pilgrims are elders, which has made the Religious Affairs Ministry committed to implementing elderly-friendly Hajj services in 2023.
The increase in the number of elderly pilgrims has made it necessary for the authorities to carefully consider the skillset of those who will be serving them. Director General of Hajj and Umrah Implementation (PHU) at the ministry, Hilman Latief, stated that there is a need to better prepare the officers with regards to their knowledge, skills, endurance, and dedication since this year will present quite a big challenge. As a result, the Religious Affairs Ministry is conducting “Technical Guidance on the Tasks and Roles of the PPIH” to improve coordination among and service of the 1,234 Hajj officers from April 7 to 16, 2023.
The ministry has noted that 52 percent of the total number of pilgrims is made up of female pilgrims, and as a result, has significantly increased the number of women Hajj officers in accordance with Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas’ directives. The inclusion of more women Hajj officers is intended to improve the comfort of women pilgrims, especially during the Hajj rites, known as the Tawaf.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has informed that one pilgrim is 105 years old, and hence will have their health checked by an officer first before leaving for Saudi Arabia. The officer will decide whether they will depart for the Holy Land unconditionally or under certain conditions, or even have their departure canceled. The issue of the elderly pilgrims has put extra pressure on the authorities since the health and safety of the pilgrims are paramount, and there is a need for the authorities to ensure that each pilgrim undergoes adequate medical screening and care.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a crucial Islamic ritual that is mandatory for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims. The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca is an opportunity for Muslim pilgrims to reaffirm their faith and devotion to Islam. The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and as such, Muslims from all around the world gather to fulfill this obligation every year. Hajj pilgrimage involves several rites that are performed over a span of five days, and these rites are undertaken by millions of Muslims from around the globe.
In conclusion, the Hajj pilgrimage is a vital event in the Islamic calendar, and as such, the authorities are trying to ensure that the pilgrims are able to carry out their religious obligations in a safe, secure, and comfortable manner. With the resumption of the pilgrimage after the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for proper coordination among the authorities and proper medical care is critical for the success of the pilgrimage. Furthermore, the inclusion of more women Hajj officers and the need for adequate care for elderly pilgrims demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to providing an inclusive and safe environment for all pilgrims.
