Completing the procedures used to need up to five hours. The fast-track facility allows the procedures to take place in Indonesia in a much shorter time.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has said that Indonesia's cordial relations with Saudi Arabia have benefited Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, as evident from the recent establishment of the "Mecca Route" fast-track service scheme.

"As the result of good relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, the 'Mecca Route' is born," Amin remarked after observing the fast-track service at Adi Soemarmo Airport, Boyolali District, Central Java, on Friday.

During his visit to the airport, he greeted Hajj pilgrims taking the Garuda Indonesia flight 6170 for Mecca, which left at 11:20 a.m. local time. He also lead a collective prayer before their departure.

Under the fast-track scheme, Indonesian Hajj pilgrims will spend less time finishing entry procedures in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj as they will now complete the procedures in Indonesia, Amin said.

"Completing the procedures used to need up to five hours. The fast-track facility allows the procedures to take place in Indonesia in a much shorter time," he informed.

"Once arriving in Jeddah, you are no longer required to undergo other checks," he added.

Indonesia is privileged to have three fast-track facilities at the three embarkation points of Jakarta, Surabaya, and Surakarta, he said. The presence of high-ranking Saudi officials, including their immigration office chief, also reflects Saudi's support for the facilities.

He expressed the hope that the fast-track facility would be established at more embarkation points in Indonesia in future Hajj seasons.

The Vice President also highlighted the record 241 thousand Hajj pilgrim quota for Indonesia this year — a result of good relations with Saudi Arabia.

"As we continue to develop our friendship, we expect the Mecca Route to be expanded beyond the three embarkation points. We will also cooperate in more aspects to bolster bilateral relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia," Amin said.

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Translator: Benardy F, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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