Hajj pilgrims advised not to travel alone, implement "buddy system" in Mecca

Mecca (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabian Hajj Organising Officials (PPIH) have urged Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims not to travel alone and to implement a buddy system of at least three people while engaging in activities in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Head of the Pilgrim Protection Section (Linjam) of PPIH Saudi Arabia for the Mecca Working Area, Tulus Widodo, stated that the implementation of this system aims to maintain security and anticipate various possibilities that could harm pilgrims or officials in the Holy Land.

“For both officials and pilgrims, ensure that every movement is carried out using the buddy system. In this case, the buddy system is not just in pairs; we urge at least three people,” Tulus said in Mecca on Tuesday.

Tulus also reminded prospective Hajj pilgrims who will arrive in Mecca to always be disciplined in carrying their Nusuk cards when intending to engage in activities outside the hotel, in line with the tightened entry rules imposed by the Saudi Arabian government.

“If using an unlicensed taxi, it is certain that entry to prohibited areas will not be possible. This could result in pilgrims being dropped off at locations far from the Grand Mosque,” Tulus said.

Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims who are currently still in Medina will begin to be transported to Mecca on 30 April to perform the mandatory Umrah and prepare to undertake the peak of Hajj in Arafat.

Based on data as of Monday (28/4) at 14:30 WIB, a total of 44,985 prospective Hajj pilgrims (116 flight groups) have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia since operations began on 22 April. Of this number, 41,913 people (108 batches) have arrived in Medina.