President of Indonesia Visits "Makkah Road" Initiative Lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Today, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia made a significant visit to the lounge dedicated to the "Makkah Road" initiative at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Accompanying him were Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amoudi, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, and Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasruddin Umar.
During the visit, the Indonesian President was briefed on the operations of the Makkah Road initiative lounge. He received detailed explanations regarding the measures implemented to facilitate and expedite the pilgrimage experiences for guests, known as "Duyuf Al-Rahman," allowing them to complete necessary procedures in remarkably short timeframes. These efforts aim to ensure a high level of efficiency in service delivery, helping pilgrims perform their religious obligations with ease and convenience.
The primary goal of the "Makkah Road" initiative is to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. This begins with seamless procedures in their home countries, including the collection of biometric data and the electronic issuance of Hajj visas. The initiative also encompasses the processing of passport controls at the departure airport, ensuring compliance with health requirements. Pilgrims’ luggage is categorized and sorted in accordance with travel and accommodation arrangements within Saudi Arabia. Once these preparations are complete, pilgrims transfer directly to buses that take them to their designated accommodations in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, using dedicated paths. Concurrently, partner organizations manage the transportation of their baggage to the same destinations.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Interior is executing this initiative in its seventh year, in collaboration with various ministries and agencies. These include the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Hajj and Umrah, and Media, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the General Authority of Zakat and Tax, the General Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), the General Authority of Endowments, the Program for Serving Pilgrims, and the General Directorate of Passports.
The Makkah Road initiative exemplifies a concerted effort to enhance the experience of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah, focusing on making the process as smooth and streamlined as possible. By integrating technology and proactive measures, the initiative aims to minimize the burdens typically associated with international travel for religious purposes.
President Subianto’s visit underscores Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring a rich and fulfilling spiritual journey for its citizens who participate in these sacred rites. The collaboration between the Indonesian government and Saudi authorities reflects a shared vision of facilitating and supporting the needs of Muslims undertaking pilgrimage.
Overall, the Makkah Road initiative represents a significant advancement in pilgrimage services, aiming to transform the travel experience for millions of Muslims worldwide by addressing logistical challenges and prioritizing their comfort and satisfaction from the moment they embark on their journey until they return home. This initiative not only highlights the importance of faith in fostering community and cooperation among nations but also showcases the potential of modern technologies to enhance one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
As the Makkah Road initiative continues to evolve, it sets a precedent for how governments can work together to enhance international travel experiences for pilgrims while maintaining the sanctity and significance of their religious observances.
