Kemenag RI: How to Safeguard Your Smart Card During Hajj

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – In light of the recent announcement by Widi Dwinanda, a member of the Media Center at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag RI), it is crucial for Hajj pilgrims to take proactive measures to protect their smart cards.

These cards are indispensable for a smooth pilgrimage experience, as they contain vital information such as the pilgrim's name, photo, birth date, visa number, issuing provider, and lodging details in Mecca.

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Reporting Lost Smart Cards

In the event that a smart card is lost, pilgrims should immediately report it to their group leader (ketua rombongan) or cluster leader (ketua kloter). The incident will then be reported to the sector leader and forwarded to the Regional Work Office (Kadaker) in Mecca. From there, the Kadaker office will notify the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to initiate the replacement process.

Losing a smart card can lead to several issues for pilgrims:
- Inability to participate in the Hajj rituals in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).
- Difficulty accessing various Hajj services.
- A lengthy and complex replacement process.

Tips to Protect Your Smart Card

The Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) has provided several tips to help pilgrims safeguard their smart cards:
1. Keep it Safe and Accessible: Store your smart card in a secure and easily accessible place.
2. Use a Lanyard: Attach your smart card to a lanyard worn around your neck or to your bag.
3. Avoid Crowds with Your Card: Do not carry your smart card during tawaf or in crowded areas to prevent it from being lost or damaged.
4. Report Losses Immediately: If your smart card is lost, report it to your group or cluster leader right away.

Additionally, pilgrims can track the location of their smart cards using the Kawal Haji application launched by Kemenag.

Importance of Carrying the Smart Card

Pilgrims are reminded to carry their smart cards at all times while in the Holy Land, especially during the peak Hajj activities in Armuzna. The smart card's data is crucial for identification and accessing services.

The PPIH also encourages pilgrims to use hotel prayer rooms for Hajj rituals' deeper understanding with their spiritual guides. If health issues arise, pilgrims should consult with doctors and other healthcare providers to receive the necessary care and medication.

Given the importance of the smart card, the Kemenag RI strongly urges pilgrims to take all necessary precautions to avoid losing or misplacing it, particularly during crowded rituals like tawaf. Keeping the smart card in a small, secure bag and making use of on-site facilities and health services will help ensure a smooth and fulfilling Hajj experience. (*)

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