Rector of UIN JAKARTA Appreciates the Innovations in the 2024 Hajj Implementation

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online — The Rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for the relatively successful organization of the 1445 H/2024 M hajj pilgrimage. He also praised several important innovations introduced by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to facilitate the pilgrimage for Indonesian Muslims this year.

Rector Asep Jahar conveyed his appreciation in Jakarta on Sunday (28/7/2024). "We should be grateful for the successful implementation of this year's hajj pilgrimage for our Indonesian pilgrims," he said.

The Rector noted that organizing the hajj is a complex task due to the long waiting lists and the large number of Indonesian pilgrims, as well as other challenges related to hajj management.

"The challenges of organizing the hajj are not easy. Therefore, for the 2024 hajj season, we need to express our appreciation to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Hajj Committee, and the Indonesian government," he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Indonesia's hajj quota for 2024 reached 241,000 pilgrims, the largest in the history of Indonesian hajj pilgrimages.

Rector Asep Jahar observed that several challenges were faced during the 2024 hajj season. These included adequate healthcare services for pilgrims, sufficient accommodation, transportation needs, weather conditions, and more.

Therefore, Rector Asep Jahar appreciated several innovations introduced in the 2024 hajj implementation. These included digital transformation in the recruitment of hajj officers, with an open and online registration process, and the implementation of the Computer Assisted Test (CAT) for all officers.

Another innovation is the Kawal Haji Application. This app allows pilgrims, their families, and the general public to submit complaints and reports easily. It has helped identify and address various issues more quickly, improving service quality and pilgrim satisfaction.

Additionally, the Safari Wukuf for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims. This year, the safari wukuf for non-independent elderly and disabled pilgrims was conducted with thorough preparation, including accommodation, officers, and food services. These pilgrims were facilitated to perform wukuf in Arafah comfortably despite their limitations.

The use of the International Patient Summary (IPS) on pilgrims' cards is another crucial innovation in hajj healthcare management. This health summary, including demographic information, allergies, medications, illnesses, and vaccinations, allows healthcare services in Saudi Arabia to provide more accurate and measured medical treatment, enhancing pilgrims' safety and well-being.

Lastly, the simplification of the Visa Postponement/Cancellation process. This has optimized the use of the hajj quota. Pilgrims who postponed or canceled their departure could be entered into the Siskohat system, allowing the provincial and central Ministry of Religious Affairs to cancel and apply for replacement visas quickly. This approach successfully maximized the hajj quota utilization this year.

Rector Asep Jahar emphasized that these innovations have contributed to the success of this year's hajj organization. "The innovations implemented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs have supported the success of this year's hajj pilgrimage. Hopefully, this success will inspire future hajj implementations in Indonesia," he concluded. (Nurul Faadhilati Idris)