Garuda aircraft donation for Hajj training in Aceh strengthens pilgrim readiness
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has said that the donation of an aircraft from Garuda Indonesia for Hajj training activities in Aceh strengthens simulation-based flight preparation to improve the technical readiness of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
“We have provided this aircraft so that prospective Hajj pilgrims can experience the atmosphere of a Hajj flight. When departure day arrives, they will be calmer and better prepared,” Dahnil said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
Garuda Indonesia has taken a strategic step to improve the quality of Hajj operations. The state-owned carrier donated one aircraft to serve as a training facility at the Class I Hajj Dormitory in Aceh.
According to Dahnil, the donated Boeing 737, formerly operated by Citilink, is not merely a symbol or display piece but has been designed as a hands-on training facility for prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
Dahnil officially inaugurated the donation at a ceremony attended by Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny H. Kairupan, Minister for National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy, and Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah.
The former Citilink Boeing 737 has been reassembled and configured to resemble an active cabin. Prospective pilgrims can now practise the boarding process, cabin baggage placement, seatbelt use, and familiarise themselves with procedures during long-haul flights to the Holy Land.
The Deputy Minister further stated that this initiative addresses a longstanding issue — pilgrim anxiety, particularly among the elderly, when facing long-distance air travel for the first time.
He emphasised that Hajj training is no longer limited to the theoretical aspects of Hajj pillars and obligations but now extends to the technical aspects of travel that frequently cause concern.
The placement of the aircraft in Aceh also holds historical value. Garuda Indonesia was born from that province through the legendary Seulawah RI-001 aircraft, which was funded by the people of Aceh.
“This donation serves as a tribute to that contribution, whilst returning a piece of history to its homeland,” the Deputy Minister added.
Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny H. Kairupan affirmed his company’s commitment as a strategic state partner within the national Hajj ecosystem, through concrete synergy between the central government, the airline, and regional authorities to prepare pilgrims from the embarkation stage.
According to him, with this facility, Hajj training in Aceh becomes more comprehensive. Prospective pilgrims will not only understand the theory but will also be mentally and technically prepared for the actual Hajj flight.