Hajj 2024: Pilgrims will Have Better Experience in Nabawi for These

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Navigating the bustling environment of Masjid Nabawi during Hajj 2024 can be a daunting task for many Indonesian pilgrims. Some find themselves disoriented and unable to find their way back to their accommodations, often due to entering and exiting through different gates.

To mitigate this issue, the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia has implemented a specialized support system at Masjid Nabawi. This initiative aims to provide protection and assistance to the pilgrims, ensuring their experience is smooth and worry-free.

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The head of this Special Sector (Seksus) at Nabawi, Surnadi, explained that the team is a collaborative effort comprising worship guides, pilgrim protection officers (linjam), support staff, and elderly services personnel. These members hail from various Indonesian institutions, including the military (TNI) and police (Polri), among others.

"The Seksus team is strategically positioned at key locations around the mosque's gates. If a pilgrim becomes lost or separated from their group, we ensure they are safely escorted back to their hotel," said Surnadi.

He added, "In Madinah, we always collaborate and coordinate with the different sectors, from Sector 1 to Sector 5," as stated to the Hajj Media Center team.

This safeguarding system operates in two shifts, each consisting of approximately 14 to 15 personnel working between 8 to 12 hours. 

Nurhayati, one of the Seksus officers, recounted that after each prayer time, it is common to find pilgrims who have become separated from their groups and are unsure how to return to their accommodations.

"Our role is to guide these pilgrims back to their hotels. If multiple pilgrims are lost simultaneously, we coordinate with sector officers to ensure everyone is safely escorted," she explained.

The introduction of barcodes on the pilgrims' ID cards has greatly streamlined the process of identifying and assisting lost pilgrims. "By scanning the barcode, we can immediately retrieve the pilgrim's details, including their group number, hotel, and sector. This facilitates quick and accurate assistance," Nurhayati noted.

Surnadi also pointed out that pilgrims sometimes leave their sandals outside the mosque upon entry, making it difficult to remember their location afterward. 

"We advise all pilgrims to avoid leaving their sandals outside. Instead, carry them in a plastic bag inside the mosque. And most importantly, always carry your ID card," urged the Seksus team.

Through these comprehensive measures, the Special Sector at Masjid Nabawi ensures that Indonesian pilgrims on Hajj 2024 can focus on their spiritual journey, knowing that they have dedicated support to guide them back safely to their accommodations. (*)

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