Minister Says Hajj 2020 Remains Canceled
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June 9, 2020 | 07:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi firmly stated that the decision to cancel this year's Hajj pilgrimage is fixed and will not be changed, even if Saudi Arabia's Government decides to reopen its lands for the purpose.
"We firmly say that it is no longer possible for us to prepare for departure. It is impossible to make good health efforts," Fachrul Razi said on Tuesday, June 9.
The initial plan was for the pilgrims to depart on June 26, 2020. As per today, there is still no decision from the Saudi Arabian government.
Additionally, the minister said that hajj pilgrims who depart during the Covid-19 pandemic must undergo a health quarantine procedure. It would take at least 28 days of quarantine; 14 days in Indonesia and 14 Saudi Arabia.
"It can be said that it is almost impossible for us to do that," said Fachrul.
Fachrul also considers his decision to cancel the 2020 Hajj departure without waiting for Saudi Arabia's policy was the right thing to do. He does not care if there are people who think he made the decision too soon.
"We apologize if anyone feels that this was decided in a hurry. I think that was the best decision," Fachrul said.
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