We will be on standby for 24 hours during the Hajj pilgrimage period.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Ministry has launched a WhatsApp (WA) Center as a communication channel for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims and the public regarding the 1443 Hijri/2022 Hajj pilgrimage.

"To make it easier for the pilgrims and the public to update (on Hajj) information, we have set up a WA Center at +966 503500017," the Special Staff of the Religious Affairs Minister for Media and Public Communication, Wibowo Prasetyo, said during a press conference on carrying out the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage here on Wednesday.

He said the WA Center will become a communication medium for the pilgrims when they need any service from the officers.

"We will be on standby for 24 hours during the Hajj pilgrimage period," he remarked.


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He has noted that information regarding the WA Center has been disseminated in every hotel and bus used by Indonesian pilgrims with banners and stickers.

"We hope that the information will be noticed by the pilgrims and they can use the service," he said.

In addition, the ministry has also established a crisis management center for the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage.

One of the duties of the crisis management center is to monitor and respond to any information submitted by pilgrims or the public, thus it can be followed up properly.


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"The pilgrim’s Information will be passed on to the officers in charge for immediate follow-up. The problem-solving process will also be monitored to ensure that the pilgrims are well served," the official stated.

Earlier, the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Pulmonologists' Association (PDPI), Agus Dwi Susanto, appealed to the pilgrims to adhere to health protocols to curb the transmission of COVID-19, considering that the pandemic is not over.

Hence, he has said that the pilgrims are required to keep wearing masks and regularly washing their hands.

He also emphasized the importance of having a proper diet and sleeping pattern to maintain physical conditions during the pilgrimage period.


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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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