Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Heads to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Preparations

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, along with his aides, has departed for Saudi Arabia to ensure the effective implementation of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Umar highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to ensuring a more affordable and efficient Hajj experience. “President Prabowo Subianto hopes for a better Hajj pilgrimage with more affordable service costs. This is a challenge for all of us,” he remarked.

During his visit, Umar is scheduled to meet with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq F. Al Rabiah, to discuss and finalize the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Hajj agreements for 2025. “A cooperation agreement on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage implementation will be signed,” Umar confirmed.

Additionally, the Minister plans to attend an exhibition focused on identifying the most suitable service providers for collaboration in this year’s pilgrimage.

Umar reiterated that his ministry, in collaboration with the Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), is dedicated to improving the quality of Hajj services for Indonesian pilgrims. Despite a reduction in fees, the government is determined to enhance this year’s pilgrimage services, he added.

BPH Head Mochamad Irfan Yusuf is among the officials accompanying Umar on the official visit to Saudi Arabia.