The decision was made during a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Friday, attended by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and Vice Governor of West Java Uu Ruzhanul Ulum.
"At the meeting attended by three ministers—Transportation Minister, Religious Affairs Minister and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs—we decided that for flights from Jeddah and Mecca for hajj pilgrims from West Java, the embarkation point will be in Kertajati," Ulum said.
Hence, he continued, the West Java administration would prepare the infrastructure necessary for hajj pilgrims, including accommodation.
Hajj pilgrims from West Java can be accommodated at hotels in Cirebon or at hotels and the Islamic Center in Majalengka, he said.
"There is no problem with the lodging. Now, we have to decide whether they will be accommodated in Cirebon or Majalengka," Ulum said.
Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the government would also have to ascertain the readiness of flight and pilgrimage operators after the hajj embarkation point is moved to Kertajati.
The minister expressed hope that the relocation of the hajj embarkation point would reduce overcrowding at Soekarno Hatta airport.
The West Java International Airport was officially put into operation in June 2018.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Ade Irma, Sri Haryati
Editor: Eliswan Azly
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
