764 Hajj Pilgrims from North Maluku Receive Rp1.5 Million Pocket Money from Provincial Budget

A total of 764 Hajj pilgrims from North Maluku, grouped under the Makassar embarkation, have each received pocket money amounting to Rp1.5 million sourced from the North Maluku Provincial Government’s regional budget.

“The funding comes from the regional budget. Last year, we provided Rp1 million per pilgrim, with around 1,070 pilgrims. This year, we’ve increased it by Rp500,000 to Rp1.5 million. The total number of pilgrims is 764. Hopefully next year it will increase further,” said North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos in Makassar on Thursday (30/4).

Sherly explained that the pilgrims departing for the Holy Land via Makassar embarkation currently consist of two flying groups (kloter), namely kloter 13 and 15.

“I welcomed all the pilgrims earlier, and they were all in good health. This afternoon, kloter 13 will depart for the Holy Land,” she stated.

Sherly mentioned that North Maluku’s initial Hajj quota for this year was 785. However, several pilgrims fell ill or passed away, resulting in only 764 participants.

“Around 30 percent are elderly; on average, those who registered about 11 years ago are only getting their chance this year,” she concluded.