REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MADINA - First batch of hajj pilgrims arrived in Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport on Friday. They, coming from Riau Islands, East Java, and West Java/Bekasi , were using Saudi Airlines.

Indonesian Consulate General to Saudi Arabia, Zakaria Anshar, greeted the hajj pilgrims who are accompanied by members of Local House of Representatives. In Jeddah, the first batch of hajj pilgrims from nine embarkations has arrived in King Abdul Azis Airport in Jeddah. They were welcomed by Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Gatot Abdullah Mansyur, and other Indonesian officials in Saudi Arabia.

Head of Regional Working in Madina, Ahmad Jauhari, said all facilities for hajj pilgrims had been prepared well. Hajj operation is also ready to serve the pilgrims. Accommodation and catering also become their concern.

While in Medina, the pilgrims will stay in Markaziyah, about 650 meter from Nabawi Mosque. About 100 lodges are prepared for the pilgrims. "The nearest lodge is around 200 meter," Jauhari said.

The number of indenting hajj pilgrims from Indonesia in 2012 reaches 211,000 people with 194,000 are regular hajj pilgrims and 17,000 are special hajj pilgrims.

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