Umrah refers to a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time, unlike Hajj, which needs to be performed on specific dates of the year.
Speaking in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday, Sumadi said that the decision is expected to ensure that the largest aviation facility in the province can thrive.
He noted that Kertajati Airport, together with Patimban Port in Subang, is an instrument of the central government for helping the West Java provincial government stimulate growth in the northern and eastern parts of the province.
"On that note, it is vital that we maintain the two facilities. The success of Kertajati Airport and Patimban Port will bring notable progress to West Java," he said.
Earlier, the acting governor of West Java, Bey Triadi Machmudin, informed that the international airport will likely accommodate flights carrying about 70 thousand prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from West Java by next year.
"This means that we will see an increase in the passenger count next year," he said in Bandung on Wednesday.
He further said that in the future, Kertajati will become an airport that is dedicated to accommodating Hajj and Umrah flights.
The acting governor informed that the plan was born from the success of Kertajati Airport in arranging flights for 13 thousand Hajj pilgrims this year. Several investors have expressed their keen interest in contributing to the airport's future development, he added.
He added that the provincial government will continue to seek the best way to boost the number of passengers at the airport before next year's Hajj season.
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Translator: Ricky P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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