Saudi Arabian Government Inspects Makkah Route Services at Makassar Embarkation Point
Makassar (ANTARA) - The Saudi Arabian Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior conducted a visit and direct inspection at the Makassar Embarkation Point in South Sulawesi to ensure the Makkah Route (fast-track) service process for the 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE Hajj season.
The Head of the Makassar Embarkation Hajj Organising Committee, H Ikbal Ismail, accompanied by the Head of Hajj and Umrah Division of the South Sulawesi Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, H Asa Afiif Bahri, in Makassar on Friday, expressed his hope that the services from the Saudi Arabian government would facilitate prospective Hajj pilgrims.
“The Saudi Arabian government is very thorough in providing services and conveniences for the implementation of Hajj worship in Indonesia, and one of its efforts is the Makkah Route service,” he stated.
Ikbal Ismail explained that the Makkah Route is an initiative of Saudi immigration services at Indonesian departure airports that accelerates the journey for prospective Hajj pilgrims.
Through pre-approval or pre-clearance by Saudi officers, pilgrims no longer need to queue for passport/visa checks at Jeddah or Madinah airports, making the arrival process more efficient.
“Particularly regarding the handling of pilgrims’ baggage and cabin luggage, it can continue to be improved, especially when pilgrims are in Madinah and Makkah,” he said.
Ikbal also hoped that the established fraternal relations could be further strengthened, while inviting Saudi representatives to enjoy local speciality cuisine, namely Coto Makassar.
In addition, his side also encouraged the immigration inspection services through the Makkah Route programme to continue to be improved in the coming years to provide greater comfort for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
“This visit is part of the joint efforts between the Indonesian and Saudi Arabian governments in enhancing the quality of Hajj worship services, particularly for pilgrims from Indonesia,” he clarified.
The Saudi Arabian government representatives present were Lieutenant Abdullah bin Saidan, Yusuf Asy-Syamlan, and Raid al-Maliki. Also present were General Supervisor of SPL in the Republic of Indonesia, Aziz Bandar Al Otaibi, Public Relations in Indonesia, Atif Amat Syarani Tayib, and Supervisor of SPL at Makassar Embarkation, Abdul Qader Eid.
In addition to Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, the Makkah Route service is also implemented at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta), Adi Soemarmo Airport (Solo), and Juanda Airport (Surabaya), heading to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, Madinah.