In a written statement received here on Thursday, Qoumas, who is currently in Saudi Arabia to observe the preparations of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims' services, presided over a coordination meeting with officials of the Hajj Affairs Office in Mecca.
Some officials present at the meeting are Indonesia's Consul General in Jeddah, Eko Hartono; the ministry's Director General of Hajj and Umrah, Hilman Latief; Director of Overseas Hajj Services, Subhan Cholid; as well as the ministry staff, expert staff, and other officials.
"Praise be to God, I have received confirmation that the procurement process for the accommodation and transportation services for Hajj pilgrims had been completed," Qoumas remarked.
He then noted that the completed contracts pertained to the procurement of accommodation and transportation services in Saudi Arabia and food services in Medina, while the contract for food services in Mecca is currently being finalised.
According to the minister, President Joko Widodo, during a meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Tuesday (May 17), highlighted that the government should ensure that Hajj pilgrims receive the best services during this year's Hajj season.
The president also reminded officials to prioritise using domestic-made products to cater to Hajj pilgrims, he added.
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"The president instructed us to ensure that no delay will occur in the distribution of pilgrims' food. (He also instructed us to) optimise our efforts to utilise domestic-made products," Qoumas noted.
The minister also instructed officials to ensure that hotel facilities for pilgrims, such as praying room, dining room, water dispenser, washing machine, and other essentials, must be standard. Isolation rooms in hotels must also be prepared as a mitigation measure, he stated.
Earlier, Consulate General of Indonesia's Hajj Affairs Office Head, Nasrullah Jasam, noted that the task to procure the pilgrims' accommodation in Mecca was completed.
Pilgrims' accommodation in the city will be spread in five regions -- Mahbas Jin, Syisyah, Raudhah, Jarwal, and Misfalah -- all within walking distance of the Great Mosque of Mecca, he added.
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Translator: Desi Purnamawati, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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