3,830 Hajj Pilgrims from DIY to Depart via Yogyakarta Embarkation Point
Yogyakarta - A total of 3,830 Hajj pilgrims from the Special Region of Yogyakarta are ready to be dispatched to the Holy Land of Mecca via the Yogyakarta Embarkation Point, departing from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo Regency.
The Vice Governor of DIY, Sri Paduka Paku Alam X, during the DIY Hajj Farewell Ceremony for 1447 H at Kepatihan, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday, stated that the 1447 Hijriah Hajj season is particularly special, as it marks the inaugural governance under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
According to the Vice Governor, in addition to departing via the Yogyakarta Embarkation Point, the pilgrims will experience an innovative Hajj hotel model, which is the first in Indonesia.
“The DIY Hajj pilgrims this season are the first to depart via the Yogyakarta Embarkation Point and will have a new experience through the implementation of the Hajj hotel model, which is Indonesia’s first innovation,” said the Vice Governor.
The Vice Governor of DIY advised the Hajj pilgrims to always maintain their health and focus on worship. Despite the current tense geopolitical situation, the Hajj pilgrimage is expected to proceed smoothly, safely, orderly, and with devotion.
“May you be granted smoothness and safety during departure, throughout the entire series of worship in the Holy Land, and upon returning to the homeland safe, healthy, and as accepted pilgrims,” he said.
“In total, including staff and mutations, the number of pilgrims departing from DIY reaches 3,830 people. Of this number, there are 187 pilgrims in the elderly priority category,” he said.
He explained that the profile of DIY Hajj pilgrims this year shows diversity in both age and background. Of the total pilgrims departing, the 46 to 60 age group dominates with 1,721 people.
The 61-75 age group numbers 1,321 people, the 13-30 age group 124 people, and pilgrims over 91 years old number five. In terms of gender, female pilgrims total 2,095, while male pilgrims number 1,757.
According to him, the DIY Hajj pilgrims, divided into 11 batches, have had their departures mapped via YIA. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Religious Affairs ensures pilgrims are well-served even in quite dense areas.
“Wave 1 pilgrims will stay in hotels in the Misfalah area, Mecca, which is about 2 to 2.5 km from Masjidil Haram. However, there is no need to worry because the shalawat buses will operate 24 hours to facilitate pilgrim movements,” he said.