Indonesia seeks Saudi help over suspension of entry for Umrah pilgrimage

February 28, 2020, 09.02 AM | Source: Reuters
Indonesia seeks Saudi help over suspension of entry for Umrah pilgrimage

ILUSTRASI. Muslim pilgrims wear protective face masks to prevent contracting coronavirus, as they arrive at the Grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia February 27, 2020. REUTERS/Ganoo Essa


Asmoro said organizers would reschedule flights for the pilgrims "until the Saudi government opens Umrah again."

Saudi Arabia normally welcomes millions of Muslim visitors throughout the year, with a peak for the haj pilgrimage. It introduced a new tourism visa last October for 49 countries.

The country has had no cases of the coronavirus, but it has been spreading in some neighbouring countries. Indonesia also has not recorded any cases.

Read Also: Pemerintah pantau WNI yang tengah dalam perjalanan umrah

President Joko Widodo said he respected the kingdom's decision because "everything health-related is the Saudi government's number one policy".

But for many Indonesians preparing for the pilgrimage the news is potentially devastating.

Fitri Nur Arifenie, who is due to take part in the Umrah on March 23, said she was now worried her trip would be cancelled.

"It's heartbreaking because everything's on schedule. I have long desired to go on the Umrah," said Arifenie, who works for Korean trade promotion agency. "But what can you do? It's for the good of others."

Editor: Yudho Winarto

Latest News