I support and appreciate the resolution of the Religious Affairs Ministry to prohibit the presence of companions for elderly pilgrims.
Madinah (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has appealed to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to perform their pilgrimage correctly and maintain their health, as only some get the same opportunity to conduct the Islamic ritual.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, conveyed the President's message while observing a series of Hajj pilgrimage activities in the Work Area of Medina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

"The President reminded the pilgrims to properly perform the Hajj pilgrimage as it is a rare occasion, and not all Indonesian Muslims have the similar opportunity to perform it," Effendy said.

The minister added that a Hajj pilgrimage is a rare event because of financial issues and limited pilgrim quota.

Furthermore, the President asked elderly pilgrims to pay close attention to their health and urged all parties to provide special attention and care to elderly pilgrims, Effendy said.

"We must provide special attention to the elderly pilgrims group. However, I support and appreciate the resolution of the Religious Affairs Ministry to prohibit the presence of companions for elderly pilgrims," the minister said.

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He said that Hajj permission for companions creates a sense of unfairness as the companions' original pilgrimage schedules would possibly be a few years away. Their presence pushes back the plans of other rightful pilgrims, he added.

"I believe the policy to abolish such a practice is ideal. However, it should be noted that the ministry needs to prepare a dedicated team to cater to the needs of the elderly pilgrims in the absence of companions," he said.

Such a decision is expected to lead the ministry to provide the best services to elderly pilgrims so they do not need to postpone their Hajj pilgrimage.

"I have checked the data and found that there are many elderly pilgrims who have been waiting on the pilgrimage list for over a decade. Hence, we should prepare all the facilities and ensure that the elderly pilgrims have the chance to perform the Hajj pilgrimage," he said.

The minister also highlighted the importance of paying close attention to the quota for the elderly pilgrims, considering that the pilgrims would get older with the passage of time. With that in mind, the sooner they exercise the opportunity to perform Hajj, the better, he said.

"I fully support the policy of the Religious affairs minister. I believe such a policy is the ideal one. I have also discussed with the Hajj director general to keep the policy in practice," Effendy said, relating to the Hajj permission for companions.

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Translator: Nur Istibsaroh, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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