REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia is awarded gold medal from World Hajj and Umrah Convention for the best hajj pilgrims in the world. The award was handed over from Chiefl Operating Officer of WHUC, Hussain Tutla, to Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Suryadharma Ali, on Tuesday.
Indonesia has been chosen by 5000 voters of different professions involved in the operation of hajj pilgrimage, including hoteliers and media. Those voters were asked to choose which country with best hajj management.
"The result, Indonesia has been awarded gold medal then followed by Malaysia and Turkey," Tutla said. "This is a good news because Indonesia has been recognized by the international community."
According Tutla, Indonesian hajj pilgrims are the easiest persons to be with and to live with. "They remain calm even if trouble happens," he said.
Tutla told about his experience during his visits to Bekasi, Surabaya, and Lombok embarkations. In Surabaya, he was amazed to see the people smiling and laughing during hajj orientation. Then he found out that the imam was telling a joke and funny stories during the hajj.
"It was wonderful to see the imam trying to make the pilgrims as comfortable as possible, especialy for those who go abroad for the first time," Tutla said.
Tutla said, WHUC held its annual gathering attended by governments and various parties involved in hajj management to share their ideas and bring positive changes in their own countries. Indonesian success has inspired Nigeria to learn about hajj management. Last month, the country asked Tutle to arrange a visit to Indonesia.
Tutla admitted that hajj pilgrimage in Malaysia also very well managed. But, Indonesia defeats Malaysia due to larger number of hajj pilgrims and its long experience. "Not to mention that Indonesian hajj pilgrims come from different ethnic backgrounds," Tutla added.
Meanwhile, Minister Ali said, "This award is not for me, but for the director general of hajj and umrah, the ministry, and all of us."
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