Indonesia Sets Contingency Plans for Possible Hajj Suspension
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27 March 2020 13:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Religious Affairs Ministry is preparing two Hajj scenarios while closely monitoring the development of Saudi Arabia’s foreign affairs policies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, especially after the kingdom temporarily suspended Umrah due to the virus.
"The religious affairs ministry continues to follow up Saudi Arabia’s regulations related to the Hajj, this includes limiting religious worships in two of the region’s holiest cities,” said Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi in a written statement on Friday, March 27.
"We are also preparing mitigation plans to anticipate a possible cancellation of the Hajj worship by the Kingdom."
According to Fachrul, Saudi’s preparation for the Hajj season continues to be done overseeing numerous sectors such as accommodations, land transports, and catering. However, reports also suggest that Saudi Arabia has yet to set its down payment, and the same goes for flight plans.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, 83,337 to-be Hajj pilgrims have paid off the fees to conduct the sacrilegious pilgrimage.
”If the Hajj is suspended this year, the pilgrims will get refund,” said the Religious Affairs Minister.
ANTARA
