Majalengka, Indonesia Sentinel – Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas released the first batch of hajj pilgrims from Kertajati Embarkation (KJT-01), at West Java International Airport Kertajati, Majalengka, West Java. This is the first Hajj flight since Kertajati Airport was established.
“This is the first flight for pilgrims in northern West Java,” said Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in Majalengka, West Java, Sunday (28/5/2023).
“Next year we will try to plan for the western and southern Central Java pilgrims to also depart from here,” he added.
Based on data from the Integrated Hajj Computerized Information System (Siskohat), flight group KJT-01 consists of 366 pilgrims and eight officers. The first group from Kertajati Embarkation came from Majalengka Regency.
In this 1444H/2023M Hajj season, Kertajati Embarkation will dispatch 24 groups of West Java pilgrims from seven regencies/cities, namely: Cirebon City, Cirebon Regency, Indramayu Regency, Majalengka Regency, Kuningan Regency, Sumedang Regency, and Subang Regency.
The Minister also took the time to talk with the pilgrims at Kertajati Airport. Specifically for the elderly pilgrims, the Minister advised them to maintain their physical condition during worship. “If you need anything, immediately ask for help from the officers, don’t hesitate,” the Minister said.
He also warned that the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia are very high. “I checked earlier, today the temperature reached 50 degrees Celsius. Do not forget to use personal protective equipment if you want to do activities outside,” the Minister said.
“Bring an umbrella or hat, also bring a water spray to wet the face or parts of the skin exposed to the sun. And don’t forget to drink often to avoid dehydration,” the Minister continued.
Also attending the departure of KJT-01 were West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Ace Hasan Sadzily, Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Maman Imanul Haq, Director General of PHU Hilman Latief, Inspector General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Faisal, and Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Ajam Mustajam.
