Jakarta – The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia is anxiously awaiting an official directive from the Saudi Arabian government regarding the eligibility of elderly pilgrims to join the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in 2025.
Saudi Arabia Considering Age Restrictions
Hilman Latief, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Implementation at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, disclosed that Saudi Arabia is contemplating an age limit for Hajj participants. Pilgrims aged 90 years and above might no longer be permitted to join.
“They may limit the pilgrims by not permitting those above 90 years old. The letter will be sent soon,” Latief stated during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR).
Historical Context: Sent Elderly Pilgrims in 2024
It’s worth noting that during the last Hajj season, Indonesia included pilgrims as old as 100 years in their delegation. The decision this year could have significant implications for how Indonesia plans its participation.
Additional Restrictions Proposed
Beyond the proposed ban on pilgrims aged 90 and over, Saudi Arabia also intends to impose limits on elderly pilgrims aged between 70 and 80 years. This move aims to ensure the safety and welfare of all Hajj participants.
“This (official letter) is what we are waiting for. Because we have a 10 percent priority (quota) for older adults,” Latief clarified.
2025 Hajj Scheduled for May
For the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the first batch of Indonesian pilgrims is expected to depart from May 2 to May 16, according to Latief. He confirmed this during a recent meeting with the DPR.
Quota for Indonesian Pilgrims
Data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs shows that Indonesia’s Hajj pilgrim quota for 2024 was 241,000 participants. This included 213,320 regular Hajj pilgrims and 27,680 special Hajj pilgrims.
Enhancing Services for Elderly Pilgrims
To cater to the specific needs of elderly pilgrims, the Ministry has been working on improving services for the 2025 Hajj. These initiatives ensure that older pilgrims receive the necessary support and care during their spiritual journey.
The Ministry’s efforts align with a broader goal to make Hajj more accessible and comfortable for all pilgrims, especially those who may require additional assistance.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is closely monitoring developments with Saudi Arabia’s upcoming directive. This guidance will play a crucial role in shaping Indonesia’s participation in the 2025 Hajj, particularly concerning the inclusion of elderly pilgrims.
As pilgrims prepare for this spiritual journey, it’s essential to stay informed about any changes that may affect their eligibility and experience.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the impact of these restrictions on Hajj pilgrims. Please comment below or join the conversation on social media.
