Religious Ministry to Postpone Decision on Hajj Pilgrimage Until Early June

Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi delivers his statement after a limited meeting on Tuesday (19/5). (Photo by: PR/Oji)

Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to postpone the decision on the Hajj pilgrimage until early June as a response to Saudi Arabia’s pending final decision on this year’s Hajj.

“Even though we have prepared 3 alternatives scenarios, namely, first, departing all pilgrims according to quota; second, departing only some of the quota due to physical distancing; third, departing none at all. But, we also can’t wait long, so we give them a deadline of 20 May, meaning tomorrow,” Minister of Religion Affairs Fachrul Razi delivers his statement after a limited meeting on Tuesday (19/5).

The deadline, the Minister said, put into consideration the coming Eid al Fitr-Holiday and Indonesia’s first contingent departure on 26 June.

“But, the President who communicated this to King Salman suggested that the deadline be postponed until early June. We agreed and will obey it,” the Minister added.

On the coming Eid al-Fitr, the Ministry has also issued an appeal on 13 May. “There are several important points, for example, first, COVID-19 should not interfere with our excitement in welcoming the Eid. Also, do not forget to share and care for the less fortunate,” he said, adding that the Government also disapproved the idea of Eid homecoming, appealed that the Eid prayer and its celebration should be carried out at home, encouraged communication via social media and consistency in implementing the COVID-19 health protocols. (TGH/HIM/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti