VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (VOI News) - The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the cancellation of the departure of Hajj pilgrims for 1441 Hijr or 2020. This policy was taken because the Government must prioritize the safety of the hajj congregation in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Fachrul Razi, in a teleconference with the media at the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ office in Jakarta on Tuesday (02/06), stressed this decision was taken after conducting an in-depth study.

"The government has decided not to send the hajj pilgrims in 1441 Hijr or 2020. I convey this decision through the Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 494 of 2020 concerning the Cancellation of the Departure of the Hajj Pilgrimage for 1441 Hijr or 2020. In accordance with the mandate of the Law, in addition to economic and physical capability requirements, health and safety of the pilgrims must be guaranteed and prioritized, starting from the embarkation or debarkation, in travel, and also while in Saudi Arabia," said Fachrul Razi.

In addition to the safety issues, the Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi also said, this policy was taken because until now the Saudi Arabian government has not opened access for the 1441 Hijr Hajj Pilgrimage Services. As a result, the Indonesian Government does not have enough time to make preparations for the implementation of guidance, service and protection for pilgrims. He said the preparation is important so that pilgrims can hold worship safely and comfortably.

Fachrul Razi added that following the issuance of the cancellation policy for the departure of the pilgrims, regular and special pilgrims who had paid the Hajj Travel Costs (Bipih) this year would become pilgrims of next year’s hajj. The cost payments that have been paid will be kept and managed separately by the Hajj Financial Management Board (BPKH). (VOI / AHM)