Babel allocates Rp12.5 billion for domestic transportation of prospective Hajj pilgrims

The Provincial Government of Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) has allocated funds amounting to Rp12.5 billion to assist with the domestic transportation for the departure and return of 1,074 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang to the embarkation point in Palembang, South Sumatra. “This assistance is for transportation costs, meals, and other expenses for the prospective Hajj pilgrims,” said the Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands, Hidayat Arsani, while seeing off the departing pilgrims at the Bangka Belitung Hajj Dormitory in Pangkal Pinang on Friday. The number of prospective Hajj pilgrims from Bangka Belitung Islands for 2026 totals 1,074 people, distributed as follows: 293 from Pangkal Pinang City, 268 from Bangka, 155 from Central Bangka, 158 from South Bangka, 130 from West Bangka, 42 from Belitung, and 22 from East Belitung, along with nine accompanying officials. “This assistance is a form of contribution from the Babel Provincial Government to ensure the success of this year’s Hajj organisation,” he stated. He advised the prospective Hajj pilgrims to always maintain their health, given the extremely hot weather conditions in the Holy Land, which differ from those in Indonesia, particularly in Bangka Belitung Islands. “I hope the prospective Hajj pilgrims will take care of their health, drink plenty of water, and consume other healthy foods to stay fit while performing the series of Hajj rituals in the Holy Land,” he said. He also hoped that the pilgrims would remain united, help one another, and focus on worship to achieve a blessed Hajj. “We hope the prospective Hajj pilgrims will pray for the Bangka Belitung Islands Province so that this region remains peaceful, safe, and prosperous,” he added.