Ministry of Religious Affairs Reminds PPIH Not to Consider Elderly-Friendly Hajj Services Just a Slogan

Dream - Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Nizar Ali asked all Hajj Worship Organizers (PPIH) to realize elderly-friendly hajj services. He hopes that this program carried out by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is not just a mere slogan.

"The Elderly-Friendly Hajj slogan is not just a slogan, but it must be realized in a tangible way," said Nizar when closing the Integrated Bimtek PPIH Saudi Arabia 1444H/2023M, at the Haji Asrama Pondok Gede Jakarta, Sunday, April 16, 2023.

According to Nizar, this service for the elderly can be realized in concrete actions in the field by all officials. This service is also not just a burden for officials who are specifically prepared to assist the elderly.

"Although there are elderly service officials, it must be emphasized that all officials are basically elderly-friendly officials," said Nizar.

Nizar mentioned that officials must pay attention to two main things in the implementation of this elderly-friendly hajj.

First, the availability of infrastructure and facilities for the implementation of hajj worship that support the needs and fulfill the rights of the elderly. Second, the protection and assistance of elderly hajj pilgrims who experience physical, mental, social, and economic limitations.

"After participating in all the series of activities, you can make the best use of your time before departing to Saudi Arabia to deepen and find important information related to the implementation of tasks in the field," explained Nizar.

Through this bimtek, he hopes that the commitment of the officials' service, which is built together and has become the commitment of the PPIH Saudi Arabia 1444H/2023M service, can be carried out well during their duty in Saudi Arabia.

This bimtek was attended by Minister of Religious Affairs Expert Staff Hasan Basri Sagala, directors in the environment of the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Organizers and Head of the Hajj Health Center Liliek Marhaendro Susilo.

In line with Nizar, Director of Hajj Development Arsad Hidayat stated that officials have a heavy task of maintaining the achievements in last year's service index with a fairly high score.

"Alhamdulillah, during the bimtek, the officials have shown progress in understanding all the services and it means they are ready to serve the pilgrims," explained Arsad.

Source: Kemenag