REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MECCA -- Ministry of Religious Affairs as Hajj Committee (PPIH), added search team members to search Indonesian pilgrims who were still missing since Mina incident, Tuesday (24/9). It was because Saudi Arabian authorities extended the search area to the outside of Mecca.

"In accordance with the instruction of Minister of Religion Affairs (Lukman Hakim Saifuddin) the search team are increased from four to nine people," said Head of Work Area of Mecca, Arsyad Hidayat, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday (29/9).

The addition of the team aimed to accelerate the search of the pilgrims who became victims in Mina. Moreover, there were still five containers of bodies of the victims who were died in the incident who had not been announced its picture by Saudi Arabian authorities.

"Until Monday night, the container has not been opened and there are four containers brought to Jeddah," said Arsyad.

Therefore, he divided member of search team, which consisted of members of military, police, paramedics, and specialists, into two groups, to search in Mecca and Jeddah. It was reported that until Tuesday at 01.00 local time, 90 Indonesian pilgrim have not returned to their lodgings.

"We have also been able to contact the forensic team of Al Mu'ashim, so that tomorrow we can get fingerprints of the victims who have died," he added.

It was expected the search of Indonesian pilgrims could be faster, because it has entered the fifth day since the incident occurred. It was feared that the bodies condition worsened and not easily recognizable.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika