First batch of Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims arrives in Makkah

Makkah (ANTARA) - The first batch of Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims arrived in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday afternoon local time, signalling the start of the pilgrims’ movement to the Holy Land. The arrival of this inaugural batch was marked by 13 buses carrying 360 prospective pilgrims docking at the Al Asalah Al Bakkiya Hotel in the Misfalah area of Makkah. The pilgrims, who disembarked with expressions of deep emotion and gratitude, were immediately welcomed by Indonesian Hajj officials and representatives from the Saudi sharikah. In total, there are 4,871 prospective Hajj pilgrims from 12 flight groups (kloter) scheduled to enter the city of Makkah on Thursday. These dozen or so kloter originate from embarkation points including Yogyakarta (YIA 1), Jakarta-Pondok Gede (JKG 1), Kualanamu (KNO 1), Palembang (PLM 1), Kertajati (KJT 1), Lombok (LOP 1), Solo (SOC 1), Batam (BTH 1), Makassar (UPG 1 and 2), and Jakarta-Bekasi (JKS 1 and 2). Based on data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah up to Wednesday (29/4), 54,604 Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims have been flown to the Holy Land, with 52,343 of them having arrived in Madinah. Starting today, the pilgrim groups in Madinah will be moved gradually to Makkah to prepare for the peak of the Hajj worship. Hajj Organising Officials (PPIH) from the Saudi Arabian Makkah Working Area (Daker) have assured readiness to welcome the arrival of the 12 inaugural flight groups of Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims from Madinah on Thursday (30/4). All services for the pilgrims, particularly accommodation and transportation, have been confirmed as ready.