The matter draws joint attention from both countries, considering the likelihood of rising fuel prices amid global conflicts causing an energy crisis. Nonetheless, Simanjuntak affirmed that pilgrims’ safety remains the top priority.
“Pilgrims’ safety is the foremost priority, especially regarding flight security and the availability of food logistics. Rising fuel prices must be addressed jointly so both countries can anticipate and maintain optimal flight services,” he said in an official statement here on Monday.
He stated that the Indonesian government continues to take mitigation measures to uphold service quality, covering transportation and pilgrims’ consumption during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that President Prabowo Subianto’s attention remains focused on pilgrims’ safety through two main aspects: flight security and readiness of food logistics.
Following his visits to several catering kitchens in Saudi Arabia, Simanjuntak emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient food supplies.
He encouraged food providers to maintain raw material reserves for up to three months, including ready-to-eat meals for various emergency situations.
“This measure is expected to guarantee the comfort and dietary needs of Indonesian pilgrims while performing worship in the Holy Land,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat stated that, overall, all hajj preparations by the Saudi government have been carried out meticulously.
Previously, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, emphasized that Indonesia's operational preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage are on track, with progress nearing 100 percent.
"Our focus is ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims through comprehensive mitigation measures," he said on Saturday (March 28).
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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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