Jakarta — The Indonesian government’s commitment to providing the best service to hajj pilgrims continues to be demonstrated concretely. This year, special attention is given to elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities, who are included in the vulnerable category in carrying out the hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi Hajj Pilgrimage Organizing Officers (PPIH) have prepared 183 special officers to ensure the smooth running of worship for elderly and disabled pilgrims. Head of the Elderly, Disability, and Crisis Handling and First Aid for Hajj Pilgrims (PKP2JH) Division of PPIH Saudi Arabia, Suviyanto, said that these hundreds of officers will be spread across three main work areas.
“A total of 183 officers are spread across three work areas, namely Mecca around the Grand Mosque, Medina around the Nabawi Mosque, and the Airport Work Unit,” he said.
Although the ratio of officers to pilgrims is still not ideal, namely 1 officer serving 259 elderly or disabled pilgrims, Suviyanto emphasized that his party continues to make maximum efforts in providing assistance.
“We realize that this ratio is not yet balanced. However, we continue to maximize the existing workforce so that elderly pilgrims continue to receive decent and humane services,” he added.
This effort has received appreciation from various parties, including the National Commission on Disabilities (KND). Deputy Chairperson of KND, Deka Kurniawan, expressed appreciation for the quick response and sensitivity of officers in the field, especially in the Madinah Work Area (Daker).
“This is not just an administrative policy, but a real manifestation of concern and a high sense of humanity,” said Deka.
He highlighted the simple but meaningful actions carried out by officers, such as calming, feeding, and massaging stressed or panicking pilgrims.
“This is a very meaningful form of personal attention. Initiatives like this are a great progress that we must appreciate,” he said.
The chairman of PPIH Saudi Arabia, Muchlis M. Hanafi, added that the presence of elderly and disabled pilgrims is truly a source of blessings in the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The best service for elderly and disabled pilgrims is a source of blessing. They are the poor who need support from their surroundings,” said Muchlis.
According to him, vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled not only need logistical services, but also empathy and humane assistance.
“Therefore, it is very important for the government to pay special attention to them. This is a form of worship for us who serve,” he said.
This concrete step by the government is in line with the spirit of the Elderly-Friendly Hajj carried out this year. Amid the challenges of high temperatures and high mobility in the Holy Land, the presence of special officers is an important support so that pilgrims can still carry out the fifth pillar of Islam safely and solemnly.
From year to year, Indonesia has shown progress in the aspect of Hajj pilgrimage services, especially for vulnerable groups. A more humanistic, responsive, and inclusive approach has become a new face in national Hajj governance.
The government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to develop training for hajj officers to have social sensitivity and skills in dealing with crisis situations, especially for the elderly and disabled. Service is not just an administrative task, but a humanitarian calling that must be carried out wholeheartedly.
With these steps, Indonesia not only shows professionalism in managing the Hajj, but also makes humanitarian values the foundation in providing the best service for all its citizens in the Holy Land.
