This is a proper measure since we know that the safety of our Hajj pilgrims shall be prioritized.Purwokerto (ANTARA) - The government's decision to cancel Hajj pilgrimage for this year in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a right measure, an observer on public policy from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Dr. Slamet Rosyadi, stated.
"This is the right measure since we know that the safety of our Hajj pilgrims shall be prioritized," Rosyadi noted on Wednesday, a day after the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the decision.
Minister Fachrul Razi noted that the government will shift Hajj pilgrims scheduled in 2020 for embarkation in 2021.
Furthermore, the Government of Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm whether it will open Hajj service for 2020 or suspend it over the pandemic fears. "This situation inflicts uncertainty that makes the decision to not send Hajj pilgrims a good choice," he stated in this connection.
Even if Saudi Arabia decides to open access for pilgrimage, the Indonesian government does not have sufficient time in its hands to make requisite preparations for the pilgrims' embarkation as well as management in the holy cities of Islam amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Rosyadi expounded.
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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Suwanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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