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Indonesia has announced on Tuesday, its withdrawal from the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca over coronavirus scare.
Over 220,000 people from the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country were set to take part in this year’s hajj, which all Muslims are obligated to perform at least once in their lives if capable.
The global pandemic has interrupted the ritual, and Riyadh has yet to announce a final decision on whether it will go ahead with the end-of-July celebration.
On Tuesday, Indonesia said it was pulling out of the pilgrimage, which last year drew about 2.5 million Muslims to Saudi Arabia from across the globe.
“This was a very bitter and difficult decision,” religious affairs minister Fachrul Razi told a televised press briefing.
“But we have a responsibility to protect our pilgrims and hajj workers.”
Razi said Indonesia had pressed Riyadh last month to announce its decision, thereafter the President, Joko Widodo held a telephone call with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman regarding the issue.
He added that jakarta had earlier considered allowing half the usual number of pilgrims to travel in order to limit the risk, but opted to keep them all at home, instead.
Note that hajj is a key revenue earner for the kingdom, however, danger looms if millions, who could be a source of contagion flock to Mecca’s religious sites.
Many intending pilgrims, having been on the waiting list for years expressed disappointment towards Indonesia’s decision.
“I knew this was a possibility, but now that it’s official I can’t help but be heartbroken — I’ve been waiting for years,” 37-year-old civil servant Ria Taurisnawati said as she sobbed.
“All my preparations were done, the clothes were ready and I got the necessary vaccination. But God has another plan,” she added.
Reported by: Fatimah Oyesanmi
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