Indonesia offers 32 disability-friendly buses for Hajj pilgrims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) is providing 32 low-deck, disability-friendly buses for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to travel between their hotels and the Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

This was announced by Head of Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Akhmad Fauzin, during a press conference held online here on Tuesday.

He stated that these buses were provided as a form of the Indonesian government's commitment to offering inclusive Hajj services.

Fauzin added that these buses, known as Shalawat Buses, operate round the clock and serve all areas where Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are accommodated.

"The buses have been equipped with GPS and CCTV that can be monitored by officers to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims during the trip," he remarked.

In its implementation, he remarked that PPIH is working with five bus companies to prepare the Shalawat Buses service.

"We remind all pilgrims that the service is already included in the cost they paid for the Hajj pilgrimage," he stated.

Furthermore, he stressed that the drivers are officially compensated, so passengers are not required to give tips.

"Let us maintain comfort and order while using this service. Hopefully, all pilgrims can perform the worship activities safely, smoothly, and with deep solemnity," he remarked.

Indonesia will dispatch 221 thousand Hajj pilgrims in 2025. Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian Hajj officers is capped at 4,420 after Saudi Arabia granted an additional quota of 2,210.

According to the Integrated Hajj Information and Computerization System (Siskohat), as of May 13, as many as 85,195 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have already departed for Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.