"President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had asked us whether this additional Hajj quota has been discussed with Minister Al-Rabiah. This is a good opportunity to schedule the President's meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia," Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas noted in a written statement received here on Monday.
The President wants a definite answer about the possibility of increasing the Hajj quota for Indonesia in 2023, he said.
During a meeting on Monday, Minister Qoumas and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Sheikh Essam bin Abed Al-Taqafi, discussed increasing the quota and preparations for Minister Al-Rabiah’s visit.
Ambassador Al-Taqafi invited the Indonesian Government to help make the minister’s visit a success.
"I am very concerned with the planned arrival of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah because this is his first official visit to Indonesia," the ambassador said.
It is hoped that Minister Al-Rabiah will receive a special welcome from the Indonesian government to discuss the addition of the quota for Indonesian pilgrims, he said.
"The visit of Minister Al-Rabiah to Indonesia will certainly make other Islamic countries jealous," he remarked.
In response to this, Minister Qoumas said that his ministry will prepare for Minister Al-Rabiah's visit to Indonesia.
"Our secretary and special staff will prepare to welcome Minister Al-Rabiah to Indonesia as we welcomed the Minister of Islamic Affairs some time ago," he said.
His ministry will also forward a letter of request for a meeting with President Widodo on the sidelines of the visit of Minister Al-Rabiah.
Qoumas informed that the meeting between Minister Al-Rabiah and the President is still tentative and its confirmation from the State Secretariat is awaited.
Among President Widodo’s concerns regarding Indonesia's relations with Saudi Arabia is not only the Hajj implementation but also the ecosystem of the pilgrimage, he added.
"Recently, the Indonesian Minister of Trade visited Saudi Arabia, which not only discussed trade issues but also issues related to services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims," he said.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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