Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah Denies Issue on Positive Covid-19 Pilgrims

Indonesian pilgrims arrive in Jeddah. (Photo by: kemenag.go.id)

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah has denied a viral issue on social media that there were Indonesian pilgrims who were infected with the Covid-19 virus and were refused entry upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The KJRI denied the issue through a written statement dated 28 February 2020.

“There were no umrah pilgrims who were tested positive for the Covid-19 virus at the time of arrival to make the need to repatriate them,” the KJRI said in a press release.

The Indonesian Consulate urged the Indonesian pilgrims to remain calm in completing the Umrah and to maintain their physical health.  “The Consulate will continue to coordinate with related parties to ensure that Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia can perform Umrah rituals smoothly,” the release further stated.

For the record, the KJRI open a hotline service by dialing +966503609667. (kemenag.go.id/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Mia M. Bonaedy