TIMES JAZIRAH, MADINAH – Indonesian pilgrims in Arafah will be able to rest in comfortable way in their tents. It was because the government has provided the tents with various facilities, including air conditioning, kitchens, lighting, and additional toilets.

Subhan Cholid, the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH), mentioned that there have been significant improvements in the tents for Indonesian pilgrims. He stated that kitchen preparations are underway, and food consumption is being expedited. 

Additionally, 10 more doors will be added to the bathrooms in each "maktab" (group of pilgrims) at Arafah. It's worth regarding to the Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are divided into 70 "maktab" in Arafah.

Each "maktab" consisting of approximately 3,000 pilgrims. Previously, each "maktab" had 40 toilets and about 10 ablution taps. This year, an additional 10 new toilets will be provided per "maktab".

Subhan mentioned that Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas is dedicated to improving services, including the facilities at Arafah. This year, each "maktab" will have 10 new toilets, eight sitting toilets, and two squat toilets, with an emphasis on providing convenience for elderly pilgrims.

Subhan Cholid added that the preparations for the tents and their services are almost 90% complete. The tent capacity varies based on the size, but on average, each pilgrim is allocated 1.6 square meters of space. The current phase involves compacting the layer of fine sand that will serve as the tent's floor before the rugs are installed.

"Some tents have been completed, equipped with rugs, air conditioning, and lighting. Inside the tents, foam mattresses and pillows wrapped in white cloth are provided as sleeping arrangements for the pilgrims. Blankets are also available," he explained.

Subhan Cholid expressed his hope that all the services in Arafah will be ready by the 6th of Zulhijjah, 1444 H, which is three days before the Day of Arafah when the pilgrims gather. (*)