East Java Governor Calls for Prayers for Saudi Arabia's Security Ahead of Hajj Pilgrimage

Surabaya — East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called on Muslims to pray for the security of Saudi Arabia ahead of the hajj pilgrimage whilst also calling for an end to conflicts in the Middle East region.

Khofifah made this statement whilst attending an invitation for an Iftar dinner during Ramadan hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi in the Menteng area, Jakarta, on Monday (16 March).

“We also conveyed the hopes of the Indonesian people, particularly from East Java, so that pilgrims performing the umrah and hajj can continue to carry out their worship safely, comfortably, and smoothly in the Holy Land,” she said in a statement received in Surabaya on Tuesday.

Khofifah stressed the importance of guaranteeing security and comfort for Indonesian umrah and hajj pilgrims, particularly those from East Java, amid the dynamic geopolitical situation in the Middle East region.

She emphasised that Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Indonesia in the implementation of hajj and umrah pilgrimage, and that strong bilateral relations need to be maintained to ensure optimal services for pilgrims.

Furthermore, she also expressed hope that geopolitical tensions in the region would soon ease in order to create sustainable peace and prevent broader economic impacts.

On this occasion, Khofifah also announced that the Madinah Quran, a gift from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has been distributed to the people of East Java as part of Islamic proselytisation efforts.

She also expressed appreciation to the Saudi Arabian Government, including Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, for improvements in services and infrastructure for hajj and umrah pilgrims from around the world.