This year, the challenge is quite bigJakarta (ANTARA) - Meeting the high expectations of pilgrims performing Hajj this year after a two-year wait will be a challenge for officers and push them to provide the best services, the Religious Affairs Ministry said.
"This year, the challenge is quite big. The expectations of pilgrims are quite high. The officers have never been on duty. We hope that the officers will do their job well even though the time is limited," Head of the Sub-Directorate for Hajj Officers at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Suvianto said here on Saturday.
He noted that another challenge that will need to be addressed is that most of this year's Hajj pilgrimage officers have never been assigned Hajj pilgrimage duties before, so they will need to gain an understanding of their responsibilities. Further, the officers' training period is short: only a week, from May 16 to May 22, 2022.
Related news: 17,000 prospective Hajj pilgrims facing administrative problems: govt
As many as 841 of the total 1,901 recruited Hajj officers are taking part in technical guidance training at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Jakarta.
The prospective Hajj officers conducted a rehearsal on Saturday to practice and strengthen their understanding of their duties in serving the congregation.
"Today's activity is aimed at finding out how far the technical guidance materials for officers have been implemented," Suvianto said.
Related news: More international airports, border posts opened to support Hajj
During the rehearsal, the officers simulated serving pilgrims upon their arrival at the airport and at hotels, as well as handling the problems that the pilgrims may face.
The rehearsal also illustrated the tasks of the officers in providing services to pilgrims in terms of transportation, accommodation, and food.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia had announced that the Hajj pilgrimage this year will be opened for one million pilgrims from various countries. It allotted Indonesia a quota of 100,051 for the pilgrimage.
The first batch of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to depart on June 4.
Related news: Minister Qoumas meets Saudi minister to discuss Hajj readiness
Related news: Services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims comply with standards: Minister
Translator: Desi Purnamawati, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
