Palangka Raya City Government Provides Priority Services for Elderly Prospective Hajj Pilgrims

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - The Palangka Raya City Government in Central Kalimantan is providing priority services to prospective Hajj pilgrims from the elderly category who will depart for the Holy Land during the 2026 Hajj season. “The Health Department will provide special accompaniment for pilgrims with health risks, especially those in the high-risk category,” said Deputy Mayor of Palangka Raya Achmad Zaini Zaini in Palangka Raya on Monday. He explained that the accompaniment and monitoring will be carried out intensively by the Palangka Raya City Health Department for pilgrims with health risks, ensuring they receive optimal services from departure to the performance of Hajj worship. His side is committed to ensuring that pilgrims depart for the Holy Land and return to the homeland in healthy and safe conditions. From departure to return, the Palangka Raya City Government through designated officers will always coordinate with relevant parties to monitor the condition of pilgrims periodically. “Based on data, there are 33 elderly pilgrims and eight people using wheelchairs. In addition, 50 pilgrims are in the high-risk health category and 24 others in the moderate risk category, with the oldest age 86 years and the youngest 16 years,” he said. Zaini added that throughout the Hajj worship series, the health aspect of pilgrims becomes one of the main concerns of the Palangka Raya City Government. This, he said, is important so that pilgrims can carry out the entire series of Hajj worship well, from departure to return to the homeland. “We ensure all prospective Hajj pilgrims depart in healthy condition. When they arrive at the Hajj Dormitory in Banjarmasin Embarkation, it is hoped they remain in prime condition so they can perform worship smoothly,” he stated. The Palangka Raya City Government together with relevant agencies has carried out various preparation stages, from health checks, vaccination, to intensive Hajj ritual guidance for pilgrims. According to him, these preparations not only concern administrative completeness but also physical readiness and pilgrims’ understanding of Hajj worship implementation. “With thorough preparations, it is hoped that all pilgrims are truly ready physically, mentally, and spiritually before departing for the Holy Land,” he said.