From early, it must be prepared, so that when the call (to carry out the pilgrimage) comes, the (prospective) pilgrims will be ready physically and mentally
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that implementation of the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage had given a lesson on the importance of preparing the health of prospective Hajj pilgrims as early as possible.

"The Hajj Mudzakarah (symposium), which discusses istithaah or health capabilities, is one of the first steps (to prepare for healthy pilgrimage)," Religious Affairs Minister's Special Staff for Media and Public Communications, Wibowo Prasetyo, stated here on Wednesday.

According to Prasetyo, the issue of the health of pilgrims is one of the concerns of his ministry in making operational preparations for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

Based on data from the Integrated Hajj Computerized System, 774 Indonesian pilgrims died during the 2023 Hajj. This figure is the highest in the last decade.

"This is essential. From early, it must be prepared, so that when the call (to carry out the pilgrimage) comes, the (prospective) pilgrims will be ready physically and mentally," he remarked.

Prasetyo noted that health capabilities emphasizes the importance of the physical health of prospective Hajj pilgrims.

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The implementation of the health capabilities policy for next year's pilgrimage is aimed at suppressing the number of deaths among pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

"We want the number of deaths of pilgrims next year to be lower as compared to 2023," he stated.

He outlined that several measures will be prepared by the Ministry, including improving the awareness of pilgrims on the importance of maintaining good health while conducting the Hajj pilgrimage.

Moreover, health condition will become a requirement for prospective pilgrims to complete the payment of the Hajj Pilgrimage Cost.

"(Prospective) pilgrims, who are checked and are healthy, are asked to maintain their health, and when the time comes, they can complete the payment of the Hajj cost," he remarked.

Meanwhile, he said, prospective pilgrims, found to be sick based on the health check, are advised to recover first before they can complete the payment of the Hajj cost.

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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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