The MoU was inked by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and Hajj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah in Jeddah on Sunday (January 12).
"There are several things we agree on, one of which is the number of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who will depart during the 2025 Hajj operation period, 221 thousand people," Umar noted in his statement on Monday.
He detailed that the 221 thousand prospective Hajj pilgrims will arrive at and return from two airports in Saudi Arabia.
As many as 110,500 people will arrive via Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Medina and return via King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.
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Meanwhile, he noted that the other 110,500 people will arrive through King Abdul Aziz International Airport and return via Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Medina.
The minister expressed optimism that preparations for the 2025 Hajj could be finalized promptly following the MoU signing.
Minister Umar is also advocating for an additional quota for Indonesian Hajj officers, which is currently capped at 2,210 this year, to ensure optimal service for the pilgrims.
The MoU between the two ministries also regulates security issues. All prospective Hajj pilgrims are reminded to adhere to the regulations set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including those concerning movement during the peak of the Hajj in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
"In principle, the Indonesian government is ready to cooperate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the security and comfort of pilgrims," he highlighted.
Related news: Indonesian Govt, DPR finalize 2025 Hajj cost at Rp89.4 mln per pilgrim
Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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