Saudi Gazette report

JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the Makkah Route Initiative lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on Sunday. He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Al-Amoudi and Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.

During the visit, the Indonesian president was briefed on the operational progress at the initiative lounge. He was informed about the measures implemented to streamline pilgrim journeys and expedite processing, aiming to maximize service efficiency and enhance ease and convenience for pilgrims while performing their rituals.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience. It involves completing all necessary procedures in their home countries, starting with biometric data collection and electronic Hajj visa issuance, followed by passport processing at the departure airport after health requirement verification.

Baggage is then coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah via designated routes, while partner agencies handle the delivery of their luggage.

The Ministry of Interior spearheads the implementation of this initiative in collaboration with several key government bodies, including the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media, as well as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.