"During next year's Hajj season, we have decided to use 14 Hajj embarkation points," Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas told lawmakers during a hearing session here on Monday.
The embarkation points will comprise Banda Aceh (BTJ), Kualanamu (KNO), Padang (PDG), Batam (BTH), Palembang (PLM), Jakarta Pondok Gede (JKG), Jakarta Bekasi (JKS), Solo (SOC), Surabaya (SUB), Banjarmasin (BDJ), Balikpapan (BPN), Ujungpandang (UPG), Lombok (LOP), and Kertajati (KJT).
"The Kertajati embarkation point in West Java province will be prepared for prospective pilgrims from Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, Kuningan, Sumedang, and Subang," he said.
Qoumas also affirmed that his ministry will make utmost efforts to improve services for prospective pilgrims at the 14 Hajj embarkation points.
To achieve this end, the ministry will implement a "one-stop service" under which Hajj pilgrims will get medical check-ups, identity bracelets, boarding passes, passports, living costs, and visas at their embarkation point's hall.
"By doing so, our pilgrims will hopefully have longer time for having rest and physical preparation in Saudi Arabia before performing all steps of Hajj rituals," he explained.
ANTARA has reported earlier that Saudi Arabia has given Indonesia an additional quota of 20 thousand for the 2024 Hajj Season. The pilgrim quota was earlier capped at 221 thousand.
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Translator: Asep F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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