TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – A total of 390 Indonesian pilgrims from DKI Jakarta have landed at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport (AMAA) in Madinah. They are the first group of Indonesian pilgrims this year to arrive in the Holy Land to do hajj routine. Interestingly, they landed at the Fast Track Terminal, a new strategy implemented to facilitate the arrival process of the pilgrims.

This Fast Track Terminal eliminates the immigration and customs processes that are usually conducted upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims are directly escorted to buses and transported to hotels in Madinah. This is a service designed to ensure that the pilgrims can start their Hajj routine comfortably.

The pilgrims were welcome with a warm and nice ceremony. The government of Sauid Arabia along with the Indonesian government chanted Thala'al Badru (a song to accompany those muslim in war field). Some bouqette and flowers were also given to each of those to mark their arrival.  

Journalist Bambang H Irwanto from TIMES Indonesia, who is part of MCH 2023, reported that this service is also part of the efforts to create a senior-friendly Hajj experience. Coordinator of the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia, Aziz, urged all officials to provide the best service to the pilgrims.

The Senior-Friendly Service

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Pilgrimage Affairs, Abdurrahman Bejawi, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, emphasized the importance of providing the best service for the pilgrims.

They both urged all Hajj officials to be cautious about the extreme hot weather in Saudi Arabia and to provide the best service so that the pilgrims can perform their rituals properly.

Bejawi and Aziz showed strong support for the "Senior-Friendly Hajj" strategy. The officials were prepared to provide extra assistance to pilgrims in need, including those who use wheelchairs. 

Aziz appreciated the responsive service provided by the officials to the pilgrims, including the elderly. "The Senior-Friendly Hajj service is truly implemented," said Aziz.

This demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure that all pilgrims, regardless of their age or physical condition, receive the services and support they need during this Hajj season .

The Indonesian pilgrims are pleased with this service, both the fast track and the senior-friendly program during this hajj season. "Thank you Minister of Religious Affairs," said one of the pilgrims. (*)