The Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to depart for the Holy Land from the Hajj Embarkation Point of Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday. The West Papuan Hajj pilgrims belong to flight groups 19 and 20 in this year's Hajj season.
"We would like to ask you, while performing the fifth pillar of Islam in the Holy Land, to pray for the people and the governments of West Papua and Southwest Papua," Governor Waterpauw stated when contacted in Manokwari.
He also highlighted the theme of this year's Hajj -- "Elderly-friendly Hajj" -- while urging the Religious Affairs Ministry and the teams it formed to make all-out efforts to accompany the elderly pilgrims and comply with all the applicable rules during the holy journey.
"Hopefully, all Hajj pilgrims will always be blessed with health and strength to properly perform the Hajj pilgrimage. I would also like to extend gratitude to the Religious Affairs Office of West Papua Province and all related parties that have supported the implementation of this year's Hajj pilgrimage," he added.
The governor also drew attention to the presence of heads of local governments of the two provinces during the ceremony, saying that their presence serves as proof of the governments' care for the people.
"I would also like to remind you all that the world is currently being hit by extremely hot weather, so it is essential to prepare all the required equipment to support your pilgrimage activities," Waterpauw noted.
Earlier, the flight group 19 arrived at the Makassar Embarkation Point on June 3, while the group 20 arrived a day later.
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Translator: Tri Adi S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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