Hajj 2024: Ministry Regrets Engine Damage of Medina-bound Garuda Indonesia Plane

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Garuda Indonesia plane carrying Hajj pilgrims embarked in Makassar (UPG-05) was forced to return to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport due to engine damage. The Ministry of Religious Affairs responded to the incident.

A spokesperson for the Ministry, Anna Hasbie, said that Garuda Indonesia had apologized for the incident. However, the Ministry of Religious Affairs regretted that there was damage to the aircraft engine during the Hajj flight.

"Garuda Indonesia has to be professional since it’s related to the pilgrims’ safety. We ask that such incidents not be repeated," said Anna, quoted in an official statement on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Previously, a Garuda Indonesia plane with tail number GIA 1105 carrying 450 Hajj pilgrims from Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi had to turn around to Sultan Hasanudin Airport after the engine on the right wing caught fire. The plane departed from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport at 15:30 local time and landed back at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport at 17:15 local time after turning around to reduce fuel before an emergency landing.

"We have given a strong warning to Garuda Indonesia," added Anna. She detailed that after landing back at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, the Hajj pilgrims were evacuated to the Sudiang Makassar Hajj Dormitory while waiting for the next flight. 

"Tonight, Expert Staff from the Minister of Religious Affairs Hasanuddin Ali and one of the officials from the Directorate General of PHU will fly to Makassar to inspect the situation on the ground," said Anna.

Garuda Indonesia stated that the UPG-05 pilgrims would depart for Medina using the aircraft originally intended for UPG-06. Furthermore, said Anna, Garuda Indonesia promised to prepare another aircraft to fly the UPG-06 group on May 16, 2024.

In response, Anna Hasbie said the ministry reiterated its call for Garuda Indonesia to adhere to its commitment to the security and safety of Hajj pilgrims. According to Anna, a sudden change in schedule or replacement of planes would have a systemic impact.

"We ask Garuda Indonesia to prepare comprehensive mitigation and anticipatory steps. We ask that the flight schedule remain unchanged because this could cause a domino effect," said Anna.

ADINDA JASMINE PRASETYO

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