TIMES HONGKONG – Every year, thousands of Hajj pilgrims from around the world make their journey to Mecca to perform the 5fh pillars of Islam. However, with a large number of pilgrims, various challenges sometimes arise, one of which is the issue in Muzdalifah as seen in the last Hajj season. However, this has been anticipated by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag RI).
The Chairman of Masyariq M Amin Indragiri explained several preventive steps for such conditions. Masyariq is a third-party company assisting Kemenag RI in preparing the needs of Hajj pilgrims. Here are the prevention steps according to them.
1. Implementation of Smart Cards by the Saudi Arabian Government
This year, the Saudi Arabian government implemented strict regulations using smart cards to regulate pilgrims using unofficial visas. This is an important step to manage and control the movement of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
2. Sealing Bus Doors with Stickers
Bus doors that transport pilgrims from hotels to Arafah on the 8th of Zulhijjah will be sealed with stickers. These seals can only be opened after the bus arrives in Arafah by security personnel. This step aims to prevent pilgrims from using unofficial routes and imposes penalties such as fines and deportation for violators.
3. Installation of Road Barriers and Additional Personnel
Masyariq, the party responsible for organizing pilgrim journeys, has prepared concrete barriers and two-meter-high wires as road dividers to prevent pedestrians from taking the Taraddudi bus route. Additionally, 200 personnel are also deployed along the road to ensure smooth travel.
4. Request for Additional City Bus
A request has been made to increase the number of city buses used in Masyair. These buses have a larger capacity, up to 75 people, and easier access for the elderly. This addition will help reduce congestion and facilitate pilgrim mobility.
5. Schedule Adjustment for Pilgrims
Some maktab will not disembark from the bus while in Muzdalifah. They will depart from Arafah around 10 or eleven at night towards Muzdalifah, and then directly to Mina. This step aims to reduce crowding in Muzdalifah.
6. Provision of Backup Buses
A total of 100 backup buses have been prepared to anticipate emergency needs and ensure smooth transportation during the Hajj season. This additional transportation is expected to reduce waiting times to board buses.
With such implementation, issues like those in previous Hajj seasons are expected to be minimized or even avoided. Kemenag RI hopes that with these steps, pilgrims can perform the Hajj pilgrimage more smoothly and safely.(*)
Artikel ini sebelumnya sudah tayang di TIMES Indonesia dengan judul: Kemenag RI Shares 6 Prevention Steps for some Issues in Muzdalifah
Writer | : Khodijah Siti |
Editor | : Khodijah Siti |