"We want to provide the best service for the people, especially in terms of Hajj logistics," the ministry’s deputy for coordination of strengthening character and national identity, Warsito, remarked here on Tuesday (February 11).
Warsito noted that implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage not only has a spiritual dimension but also significant potential for developing the national economic ecosystem.
Hence, continued evaluation and improvement of Hajj services are essential to maximize benefits for pilgrims.
"The implementation of Hajj is a constitutional mandate. The results of the evaluation so far show that there are still shortcomings in several aspects. The government continues to strive to innovate and improve the Hajj services,” Warsito affirmed.
Innovations include strengthening the Hajj economic ecosystem through the export of Indonesian spices to meet the pilgrims' catering needs. Exports of Indonesian spices reached 70 tons last year.
Additionally, the government has sent ready-to-eat food for catering services for pilgrims in Arafah, Mina and Muzdalifah (Armuzna).
In 2024, some 1.7 million boxes of ready-to-eat food will be provided, with the potential to reach five million to six million boxes.
The provision of amenities, such as soap, toothpaste, and other toiletries, is also necessary.
Digital transformation is also a key focus in improving Hajj services.
Warsito stated that the Kawal Haji application and the International Patient Summary system have been implemented to facilitate real-time monitoring of the health of prospective Hajj pilgrims.
Playing a strategic role in ensuring synergy between stakeholders for Hajj, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture is also focusing on improving logistics services for sending goods for pilgrims, both from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia and vice versa.
"PT Pos Indonesia, as a state-owned enterprise that has experience in this field, is expected to take a strategic role in providing quality and competitive logistics services," Warsito noted.
He emphasized that maintaining quality and ensuring global competitiveness are the main challenges in this service.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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