They often target pilgrims, who get separated from their group, or the elderly. The perpetrator will approach the victim and offer to accompany them to the pilgrim's place of stay. Hence, apart from security officers, pilgrims must be careful and notJakarta (ANTARA) - An official pressed for sustained vigil from Indonesian Hajj pilgrims for the sake of their safety while staying at the Prophet's Mosque, Medina, or other locations in Saudi Arabia for Hajj rituals.
"(Hajj pilgrims) must remain vigilant and should not trust (unknown people). (Pilgrims must also) perform their ritual calmly," Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee's (PPIH's) pilgrims' affairs department head for the Medina work area, Harun Al Rasyid, stated, as quoted from the Hajj Media Centre, in Medina on Sunday.
The official explained that five security posts, with Indonesian officials, were set up at the Prophet's Mosque to ensure security and provide services for Indonesian pilgrims. The five security posts will be operated under PPIH's work sector in the mosque, he stated.
Indonesian military and police officials, health workers, and women officers for women pilgrims are available at the five security posts, the official noted.
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The five security posts are available at gate 332 that will become the central post; gate 328, gate 306, gate 358 that faces the Al-Baqi cemetery, and gate 1 in the Rawdah, the special area in front of the Mosque, Rasyid stated.
The Hajj official remarked that apart from providing services, security officers at the post would also educate pilgrims to stay vigilant against mugging and fraud that often occurred in the holy city revered by Muslims.
"They often target pilgrims, who get separated from their group, or the elderly. The perpetrator will approach the victim and offer to accompany them to the pilgrim's place of stay. Hence, apart from security officers, pilgrims must be careful and not trust any other person, who offers assistance," Rasyid emphasized.
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On the second day of the Hajj departure, a total of 5,945 Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia. Some 2,776 pilgrims, divided into eight flights from five embarkation points, arrived on the first day, while some 3,169 pilgrims from five embarkation points arrived on the following day.
During their stay in Medina, pilgrims will perform Arbain by attending congregational prayers at the Prophet's Mosque, visiting the Prophet's tomb, and praying at Rawdah, an area that Muslims believe to be auspicious.
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Translator: Desi Purnamawati, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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