Govt to Repatriate 105 Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims in Philippine

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian foreign minister spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said as many as 106 Indonesian who attempted to go on hajj via the Philippines will be repatriated. They are currently completing administrative process required by the Philippine authority.

“They are at the KBRI [Indonesian Embassy], awaiting administrative process to be repatriated,” Arrmanatha said yesterday at the foreign ministry office building. Meanwhile, an Indonesian has opted to stay in the Philippines to accompany their two children who are Malaysian nationals.

Arrmanatha elaborated that the 106 hajj pilgrims comprise of 27 men and 79 women. “Most are between the age of 41 to 60,” he said. Some 50 hajj pilgrims are domiciled in Malaysia.

Arrmanatha said that 84 hajj pilgrim are set to be repatriated. “We are awaiting the exit permit process. We expect the process to be completed soon,” he said.

Whereas as many as 22 hajj pilgrims are still being questioned by the Philippine government to assist with the investigation process. The Indonesian government expect the questioning to be concluded in the near future. “In order for us to immediately work on the repatriation of the 22 Indonesian.”

The Indonesian foreign ministry officials have been in the Philippines since September 18 to facilitate possible arrivals of Indonesian hajj pilgrims at Manila from Saudi Arabia. The Philippine authorities estimates that roughly 700 Indonesian hajj pilgrims had departed for Saudi Arabia from the country.

ARKHELAUS W.