The PPIH officers came from various professional backgrounds and included police officers, military personnel, Islamic boarding school leaders, journalists, and ustadz or religious teachers.
“Many aspire to serve as Hajj officers. Therefore, those selected this year should be grateful,” Umar said during the send-off ceremony at the Banten Hajj Dormitory.
“You may have been chosen due to your parents’ prayers. So pray for them in return, so this noble duty may be carried out with success,” he added.
He underlined sincerity as the most essential quality for Hajj officers because their duty of serving the guests of God in the Holy Land is considered a great blessing.
“Serving the guests of Allah is an extraordinary honor. Therefore, be sincere in carrying out your duties. Stay focused and avoid distractions,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the ministry’s director of Hajj and Umrah services, Musta’in Ahmad, informed that the ministry conducted an orientation and training program for the PPIH officers from May 4–6, 2025, before their departure.
The program aimed to enhance the competence, capacity, and readiness of PPIH officers to deliver optimal services to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
A total of 535 participants took part in the training—421 from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and 114 from the Ministry of Health.
The training topics included Hajj policy, health services, crisis management and risk mitigation, business processes for transportation, accommodation, and catering services.
The officers were also briefed about disabled and elderly services and underwent a pilgrim service simulation.
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Translator: Achmad, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
