Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged Umrah travel operators (PPIU) to immediately execute mitigation measures to support pilgrims affected by volcanic ash disruptions from Mount Anak Krakatau.
Puji Raharjo, director of Hajj and Umrah organization at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, said on Monday that operators must provide fast, clear, and accurate updates regarding flight status and emergency handling.
Flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, have been suspended since Sept. 6 due to spreading volcanic ash, delaying travelers bound for Saudi Arabia or returning to Indonesia.
Raharjo emphasized that pilgrim safety remains the top priority across all decisions regarding departures, returns, transits, and flight re-routings.
He noted that travel operators are obligated to maintain continuous support for stranded pilgrims.
“PPIUs must ensure pilgrims’ needs continue to be met, including accommodation, meals, transportation, assistance, and other basic needs, until their journey can resume,” Raharjo said.
The ministry asked operators to coordinate closely with airlines, airport managers, aviation authorities, and Saudi service providers to finalize updated flight schedules and alternative travel routes.
The ministry is also liaising with the Transportation Ministry to monitor airspace developments and ensure organized assistance on the ground.
Special monitoring focus is directed at pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia or stranded at transit hubs due to flight cancellations.
“We continue to coordinate to ensure pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia or in transit countries are being monitored. In principle, no pilgrim should lose assistance or be left without certainty of service,” Raharjo added.
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Translator: Asep, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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