Haj pilgrims to get lodging in Mecca

Haj pilgrims to get lodging in Mecca

JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to set up 185 boarding houses in Mecca for Indonesian haj pilgrims, said Achmad Gozali of the Ministry of Religion.

"This will greatly facilitate the procedures and make the pilgrims more comfortable," Achmad, who is the ministry's director general for Islamic affairs, was quoted by Antara as saying recently.

The plan is a follow-up to the new management system drawn up by Achmad's predecessor H. Amidhan.

"The idea is similar to the ticket reservation system arranged by PT Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier," said Achmad.

Indonesians registered on the official list of haj pilgrims will be entitled to accommodations, guidance, information and other facilities both at home and in Mecca.

The boarding houses will be reserved for pilgrims paying the normal pilgrimage fee.

Those who pay extra for the haj plus package, known locally as ONH plus, stay at star-rated hotels, Achmad said.

To reach Mecca, Garuda has reserved 24 airplanes for the Jakarta-Jedda route.(bas)