Jakarta, IO – Indonesia received an additional 20,000 hajj quota from Saudi Arabia government for departure year 2024.
The confirmation was obtained after President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), per Katadata, Saturday (21/10).
Jokowi explained that the hajj backlog in Indonesia was very long. Indonesian pilgrims who register currently have to wait 47 years to go to Mecca.
“So Indonesia needed an additional Hajj quota, and thank God the response was very positive. In less than 12 hours the commitment for the additional hajj quota was given,” said Jokowi.
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With this additional quota, the projected total number of hajj pilgrims from Indonesia who can fly to Mecca in 2024 will be 241,000.
The confirmation was given by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to Religion Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. (un)