More Comfortable! Hajj Congregation Tent in Arafah Equipped with Mattresses, AC, and Additional Toilets

Dream - Chairman of the Hajj Implementation Officers (PPIH) of Saudi Arabia, Subhan Cholid, once again inspected the preparation of the Indonesian hajj congregation tents in Arafah. Periodic monitoring is carried out to ensure the progress of service preparation for the congregation during the peak period of the hajj rituals.

Subhan assessed that the development of service preparations for the Arafah wukuf (standing) during this year's hajj season has improved compared to the conditions on May 26, 2023. He saw that several tents have been completed, complete with carpets, air conditioning, and lighting.

"Inside the tents, foam and pillows wrapped in white cloth are prepared as beds for the pilgrims. There are also blankets," said Subhan Cholid in Arafah, Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

In the monitoring, it was found that almost 90 percent of the tents for the pilgrims have been installed. The current stage is the compaction of the fine sand layer that will become the tent floor before the carpet is installed.

All service preparations in Arafah are expected to be ready on 6 Dzulhijjah 1444 H, or three days before the wukuf.

"The capacity of the tents varies according to their size. However, the space prepared in Arafah for each pilgrim is an average of 1.6 square meters," he added.

In addition to being equipped with air conditioning, several services that have been prepared for the hajj pilgrims include kitchen facilities and an increased number of toilets.

"Yesterday evening, I saw significant progress in the preparations in Arafah. The kitchen preparation is complete, and the consumption is being accelerated. 10 additional doors will be added to the bathroom in each maktab (residence)," he explained.

Several services that have been prepared for other hajj pilgrims include tents with mattresses, air conditioning, lighting, kitchen facilities, and an increased number of toilets.

"I also inspected the construction materials, and everything is ready to be installed," he continued.

It is known that Indonesian hajj pilgrims are divided into 70 residences in Arafah, with each residence accommodating around 3,000 pilgrims. Previously, each residence was equipped with 40 toilets and around 10 water taps for ablution.

"Gus Men (Minister of Religious Affairs) is very concerned about improving services, including the toilets in Arafah. This year, there will be 10 new toilets per residence, eight sitting toilets and two squat toilets," said Subhan.

"Sitting toilets are important because they are expected to provide more convenience for the elderly pilgrims," he added.

source: Kemenag.go.id