MUI and Saudi Ambassador Discuss Hajj, Pray for Indonesian Pilgrims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The General Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Anwar Iskandar, and the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi, prayed that prospective Indonesian Hajj pilgrims can perform their worship smoothly in the Holy Land.

MUI officials met Faisal at his residence in Jakarta on Thursday night (16/4) to discuss the organisation of the Hajj and developments in the Middle East.

“May the Indonesian Hajj pilgrims be able to perform the Hajj worship safely and comfortably, and obtain rewards that match their efforts,” said Faisal.

He assured that the implementation of this year’s Hajj worship will run safely according to the Saudi government’s plans.

“Once again, it is emphasised that the implementation of this year’s Hajj will proceed according to plan. There are no problems,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Anwar said that Saudi Arabia has always shown respect to Indonesian Muslims in the performance of Hajj and Umrah worship.

“We convey our thanks because every year Indonesian Hajj pilgrims receive the best services,” he said.

He also invited Indonesian society and government to jointly maintain the sanctity of the Holy Land.

Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Marwan Dasopang, who was also present, said there is an additional cost of around Rp8 million per Hajj pilgrim.

However, he stated that President Prabowo Subianto has decided that this cost increase will not be borne by the pilgrims.

“For that reason, we ask all parties to stop the war,” he said, referring to the conflict in the Middle East that impacts global oil prices.

He added that Indonesia believes Saudi leaders, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are capable of maintaining the security of the Hajj worship implementation.