Indonesia prioritizes early return for hospitalized Hajj pilgrims
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs will prioritize the early return of hospitalized Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
- This measure aims to allow pilgrims to focus on recovery and reunite with families sooner.
- The ministry will expedite administrative processes, including using a 'tanazul' mechanism to reassign pilgrims to earlier departing flights.
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is prioritizing the swift repatriation of Hajj pilgrims who have been hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to enable pilgrims to concentrate on their recovery and facilitate an earlier reunion with their families back home.
Dani Pramudya, the acting head of the Hajj Health Center at the ministry, announced that the administrative procedures for these pilgrims' return will be expedited. "Pilgrims who have just finished treatment will be prioritized for repatriation," Dani stated at the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic in Makkah.
The acceleration process involves a 'tanazul' mechanism, which allows for the reassignment of pilgrims to different flight groups. Once cleared by medical staff to leave the hospital, pilgrims will be handed over to their respective groups, and officials will then arrange their transfer to flights departing sooner. Intensive coordination between health officials, group leaders, and Hajj organizers is underway to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting existing flight schedules.
Pilgrims who have just finished treatment will be prioritized for repatriation.
This policy considers not only the pilgrims' physical condition but also their psychological well-being and desire to return to their families. Pramudya emphasized that delaying their return is unnecessary if they have completed all Hajj rituals and obligations. "The point is their Hajj pilgrimage is finished. If their health has just recovered, it is certainly better to send them home quickly so they can focus on resting," he added.
As Indonesia's Hajj operations enter the repatriation phase, the government assures that all pilgrims, including those with prior health issues, will return safely and comfortably. The ministry also advises pilgrims back in their hotels after treatment to minimize non-essential activities and prioritize rest.
The point is their Hajj pilgrimage is finished. If their health has just recovered, it is certainly better to send them home quickly so they can focus on resting.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.