Visit to Jerusalem

Visit to Jerusalem

From Pikiran Rakyat

Some Indonesian pilgrims were lucky enough to have been able to visit Masjidil Aqsha in Jerusalem. As a sacred place for Moslems, besides Masjidil Haram and Nawabi, Masjidil Aqsha is worth visiting as long as conditions permit. It is true that to visit it is not as simple as Umroh pilgrimage. But it is not too difficult, either. Potential pilgrims are apparently discouraged by the confusing reports on the situation.

Unconfirmed reports say that: (1) The journey to Jerusalem through Jordan can be made only at the risk of being fired upon. Along the way one can see well-armed defense forces. Terrifying! (2) After crossing the Israel-Jordan border, every pilgrim must pay an additional US$ 500 to 600. (3) To degrade the pilgrims the Israeli government provides prostitutes. (4) Economically, the pilgrimage to Jerusalem will only benefit Israel. (5) Some have suggested the Indonesian Department of Religious Affairs forbid pilgrims to visit Jerusalem.

In this context I would like to tell the public that in the middle of November 1994, I and a group of pilgrims from the Baiturrahman Foundation in Bandung, West Java, visited Jerusalem via Jordan. On the whole the situation was peaceful and calm. No sound of bullets, no war. Armed soldiers in barracks are there to maintain security, just like in Indonesia. It is not true that we had to wait for permission to go there under the authority of the Jordan/Palestine government. The Department of Religious Affairs knows exactly what happens and need not prohibit pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem has a noble value and should be done with good intentions. Also it is only fair that the travel bureau makes a small profit from this program. Who conducts business for nothing?

But there is one thing that we were concern about. The condition of the Masjidil Aqsha is saddening. This is understandable because it is difficult for Islamic countries to help maintain the grand mosque as long as it is under the jurisdiction of the Israeli government.

H.W. ALEX SETIABOEDI

Bandung, West Java