Ma'ruf Amin Urges People to Respect Saudi Arabia's Decision
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28 February 2020 16:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has called for everyone to respect Saudi Arabia’s decision for temporarily halting the entry of umrah pilgrims, which includes from Indonesia, in an attempt to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19.
“This is a policy taken by a country which we must respect,” said Ma’ruf Amin at the vice presidential office in Jakarta, Friday, February 28.
Despite the economic losses felt by Indonesian Umrah travel agents due to the policy, the VP said that people must understand that it is Saudi’s prerogative to protect its citizens from the potential spread of coronavirus.
He also revealed that Indonesia will continue to negotiate with Saudi Arabia regarding the Umrah pilgrims that have obtained their visa and are awaiting departure.
“Negotiation will continue to be done. But the authority lays in the hands of the Saudi. It is their sovereignty and that we must respect their decision,” said Ma’ruf Amin.
Saudi Arabia on Thursday halted travel to the holiest sites in Islam over coronavirus fears just months ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as the Middle East recorded more than 220 confirmed cases.
FRISKI RIANA
