JAKARTA - Hajj preparation by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is underway despite the possibility of the Saudi government cancelling the 2020 hajj season due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs always follows and monitors the development of the Saudi government’s policy related to hajj, including restrictions on worships in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina,” said Religious Affair Minister Fachrul Razi in an official statement on the Cabinet Secretariat’s website, Friday (27/3).
“We are also preparing mitigation measures if the Saudi government decides to cancel this year’s hajj.”
If this year’s hajj is cancelled, Mr Razi added, fees paid by pilgrims will be returned to each pilgrim. So far, 83,337 pilgrims have paid off their Hajj Fees.
To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has temporarily halted conventional hajj training. As a replacement, alternative training materials such as books, television and radio shows, and social media content are being prepared.
“The scheme is currently being finalised. Hopefully it can materialise in the near future,” explained Mr Razi. (MS)