Religious Affairs Ministry Sets Two Scenarios on Hajj 2020
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11 May 2020 13:40 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Religious Affairs Ministry has set two scenarios for this year’s hajj implementation following the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Two scenarios are designated as anticipatory measures. The first one, the hajj will still be held by adopting restriction orders,” said Religious Affairs Minister Zainut Tauhid in a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XIII in Jakarta, Monday, May 11.
In detail, the first scheme will allow hajj embarkations with a certain quota, and the second one is completely suspending the annual pilgrimage.
The quota was predicted to be cut by 50 percent in a bid to create spaces so as to manage the physical distancing order. Besides, a strict selection of would-be pilgrims and officers will be carried out. By means, this scenario will emphasize the terms and conditions agreed by both the Indonesian and Saudi Arabian governments.
The other scenario is the suspension of hajj. “Assuming that the condition is not yet suitable for the pilgrimage as usual, or the Saudi government closes doors for any country, especially Indonesia,” Zainut said.
The scenario will also be taken if the Religious Affairs Ministry has enough time to prepare for the pilgrimage due to the changes in Saudi Arabia’s policy. The ministry had also set a deadline of May 20, 2020, to wait for Saudi’s decision.
FIKRI ARIGI
