Indonesia's 2023 hajj pilgrim quota capped at 221 thousand

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has received a quota of 221 thousand pilgrims, without any set age limitation, for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.

Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Hajj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inked an agreement on Indonesia's 2023 Hajj quota in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

"Alhamdulillah (thank God), the mission of the 2023 Hajj has started. Today, I signed an agreement regarding Hajj with the Hajj minister of Saudi Arabia. Indonesia's Hajj quota this year is 221 thousand," he said, as quoted from a press release of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday.

He explained that the quota comprised 203,320 for regular Hajj pilgrims and 17,680 for special Hajj pilgrims.

"Meanwhile, for officers, this year, we received a quota of 4,200 (people)," he added.

Qoumas stated that at the meeting with Minister Al-Rabiah, it was agreed that there would be no age limit for Hajj pilgrims this year.

The age limit of a maximum of 65 years, set by the government of Saudi Arabia during last year's Hajj pilgrimage to curb COVID-19 transmission, is no longer implemented.

"It means pilgrims aged over 65 years can depart for the Hajj (pilgrimage) this year," he added.

The agreement between the government of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also includes arrangements for the landing of planes carrying pilgrims in Jeddah and Medina and the implementation of new policies regarding Hajj services.

At the meeting, Minister Qoumas also lobbied for an increase in the quota of Hajj pilgrims for Indonesia to shorten the waiting time for pilgrimage that has been very long in Indonesia.

He also expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since Indonesia had been involved since early on for implementation of the 2023 Hajj services.

The minister lauded the transformation by the government of Saudi Arabia in the implementation of Hajj services.

Hajj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated that his country prioritizes the safety and comfort of pilgrims in carrying out Hajj services.

"Comfort and safety are priorities. However, I say Indonesia will always get priority in receiving additional quotas," he stated.

He also noted that the transformation of Hajj services in Saudi Arabia is still ongoing until now.