TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Masjidil Haram area remains inaccessible to hajj pilgrims with disabilities. This condition was conveyed by Muchlis Hanafi, the Director of Foreign Hajj Services at the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry, who also serves as the Chairperson of the 2025 Hajj Worship Organizing Committee.
"Although the Saudi authorities have made significant improvements, pilgrims with special needs still require intensive supervision," said Muchlis Hanafi to Tempo on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
There are still areas that are difficult for Hajj pilgrims with disabilities to access. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Saudi Arabian Hajj Worship Organizing Committee, has prepared technical guidelines for elderly-friendly and disability-friendly hajj. For example, special tent placements with easy access to toilets in Arafah and Mina.
"Additionally, special movement schemes are in place, such as safari wukuf (standing at Arafah) for pilgrims who can not perform wukuf in Arafah. There is also a murur (passing through) scheme in Muzdalifah for pilgrims with disabilities without having to stay overnight in Muzdalifah," said Muchlis.
He added that the access barriers are also being addressed through coordinating wheelchair services with service providers and involving volunteer support personnel, particularly Middle Eastern student volunteers, especially in companion activities.
"We are strengthening the special needs reporting system to ensure that every pilgrim with disabilities receives documented, systematic assistance from the moment they arrive until the peak of worship," stated Muchlis Hanafi.
Significant changes are underway in organizing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with the full implementation of a syarikah-based service system in Mecca. The Indonesian government, through the Hajj Worship Organizing Officers (PPIH), took this step as an effort to improve service quality for the pilgrims.
This syarikah-based service will also apply during the peak of worship in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). According to Muchlis, this will facilitate coordination and supervision.
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