JABAR EKSPRES –Indonesian hajj pilgrims in the second batch of additional quotas will all transit in Medina for one night with the aim of the pilgrims getting enough rest after traveling from the country.
“According to information from the Hajj Affairs Office in Jeddah, the pilgrims have flown for about nine hours from Indonesia, so the Saudi Arabian government provides provisions for one night of pilgrims to be rested or transited in Medina City,” Ali said.
This was conveyed by Ali Machzumi, as the Head of the Accommodation Section of the Madinah Working Area (Daker) of the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) when met at the Front Taibah Hotel, Madinah, Thursday (6/15).
The policy of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia so that pilgrims get enough rest has made the Government of Indonesia change the itinerary of the additional quota flying groups (kloter).
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Initially, 24 flight groups upon arrival at Amir Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport will be immediately dispatched to Mecca, but now they will stay overnight in Medina.
PPIH, Ali continued, ensured that the change in plan would not affect the fulfillment of pilgrims’ services, including transportation, accommodation, catering, and worship guidance.
Additional quota pilgrims will receive catering services at least three times before departure to Mecca, just like the first batch of pilgrims who stayed eight to nine days in Medina.
He admitted that it was not easy to prepare lodging for the additional quota pilgrims for the transit because the condition of hotels around the Prophet’s Mosque or the Markaziyah area was on average in full condition.
“Of course we will prepare as well as possible for the pilgrims. If later on the first and second days the conditions in Markaziyah are not possible, we will find hotels in other places that are feasible and comfortable for our pilgrims,” Ali said.
