Number of haj pilgrims down

Number of haj pilgrims down

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: South Sumatra is registering a decreased number of haj pilgrims, with this year's applicants totaling only 3,835 of the quota of 6,000 allowed to the region.

According to the provincial religious affairs office, the remainder of the quota is being shared by regions facing an allocation shortage, such as Jakarta, Riau and West Sumatra.

Those registering for the 2002/1422 H haj pilgrimage season in South Sumatra as at end of September were less than the total listed for the 1421 H season, reaching 4,200.

With a population of 7.3 million, the province has set an all- time low for next season's pilgrims, with 2,212 from Palembang, 89 from Musi Banyuasin, 289 from Ogan Komering Ulu, 183 from Ogan Komering Ilir, 280 from Muara Enim, 164 from Musi Rawas and 140 from Lahat. -- Antara