REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MECCA – Indonesia urges Saudi Arabia to improve hajj service for the hajj pilgrims in 2013 as Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali underlined the importance of evaluation on the service. Transportation, tents, and cleaning are among the problems.
"We expect better transportation in Mecca-Arafat-Muzdalifa-Mina route, which means the pilgrims can arrive in Armina earlier," he said as reported by Endah Hapsari from Republika.
He cited that some pilgrims came late because of the bus driver. The bus was parked but the driver was nowhere near the bus. Minister Ali considers to build some tents in Muzdalifa to anticipate the late pilgrims. He also asked for more toilets and cleaning services.
Meanwhile, the minister appreciates directions in Bahasa at Nabawi Mosque in Medina. He hopes the same directions will be made in Masjidil Haram in Mecca.
For next year, Minister plans to make a new uniform for Indonesian pilgrims. "The uniform is to demonstrate nationalism as well as a special identity to distinguish Indonesian pilgrims from others," he added.