Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah directly checks the suitability of accommodation for prospective Hajj pilgrims in Mecca

Mecca — The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak assured that services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Mecca are running optimally by conducting a direct check on the suitability of accommodation located a relatively long distance from Masjid al-Haram.

The Deputy Minister carried out an unscheduled inspection at the Al-Hidayah Tower Hotel, Sector 10, in the Aziziyah district of Mecca. In the review, he specifically enlisted the assistance of Amirul Hajj members with expertise in transport, namely toll road entrepreneur Jusuf Hamka (Baba Alun) and the Deputy Minister of Transport (Wamenhub) Gen. Pol. (Ret.) Suntana.

Their involvement was considered important to evaluate the pilgrims’ movement arrangements.

“Sector 10 or Al-Hidayah has become one of the main focuses because it is the farthest hotel. It is about 12 kilometres from Masjid al-Haram. Therefore, the Ministry of Hajj provides special attention, ranging from hotel facilities to the Sholawat bus service which is a mainstay for Hajj pilgrims,” said the Deputy Minister in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“Indeed, it turns out that the service at Hotel Al-Hidayah today has the fewest complaints,” said the Deputy Minister.

That satisfaction aligns with the completeness of the facilities available. While touring, the Deputy Minister ensured the availability of a representative canteen as a gathering hub for the Hajj pilgrims, complete with stalls selling Indonesian specialities.

The Deputy Minister also checked the laundry area or self-service laundry. He ensured the number of washing machines provided was substantial so that pilgrims do not have to queue for long. He also instructed officials in Sector 10 to periodically check the viability of facilities and promptly repair any broken machines.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister also spoke with independent Hajj pilgrims, i.e., those who travel without joining the Hajj and Umrah Worship Guidance Group (KBIHU).

The Deputy Minister affirmed that the country is present for all Hajj pilgrims without discriminating against the status of their guidance group.

“Independent Hajj pilgrims receive the same facilities as those affiliated with KBIHU. Hajj officers do not discriminate; all are treated equally,” the Deputy Minister said.