DPR Orders Ministry to Prepare Hajj despite Umrah Suspension
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Laila Afifa
Jumat, 6 Maret 2020 06:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy chairman of House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs, Ace Hasan Syadzily, opined there was no indication yet that Saudi Arabia would suspend annual hajj pilgrimage this year amid the COVID-19 concern.
Ace believed that the Muslim-majority country could deal with the spread of the new coronavirus within one to two months ahead.
"About hajj suspension, I think it's still far away [to be discussed]. The hajj season is still in the next three months," said Ace through a short message on Thursday, February 5, 2020.
The Golkar politician said that all parties must be optimistic that the virus outbreak could end before the hajj pilgrimage starts. He also suggested the Religious Affairs Ministry prepare this year's Hajj pilgrimage as usual.
"Starting from the completion of hajj deposit, holding hajj rehearsal and pre-hajj activities," Ace outlined.
As quoted from Channel News Asia, the Saudi Arabia government decided to temporarily restrict year-round umrah pilgrimage over fears of the COVID-19 spreading to its land.
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