PORTALJABAR, BEKASI CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin ensured that preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage in West Java were going well.

Tuesday (30/4/2024) afternoon at the Bekasi City Hajj Dormitory, Bey witnessed the inauguration of the West Java Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) by the Indonesian Ministry of Religion.

"Thank God, today the PPIH was inaugurated for West Java. The first departure was May 11 from Bekasi Embarkation, May 12 from Kertajati Embarkation," said Bey Machmudin after the inauguration.

In order to ensure that the departure of prospective Hajj pilgrims is safe and comfortable, Bey Machmudin will continue to coordinate with the managers of the Bekasi and Indramayu (Kertajati) Hajj Dormitory.

"Of course we want the preparations to be perfect, we will continue to coordinate with the dormitory here (Bekasi) and with the dormitory in Indramayu," he said.

Apart from checking the Hajj dormitory facilities, Bey also tested the food that will be provided to prospective Hajj pilgrims.

"Food checks are anticipated, especially for the elderly. It is hoped that more food will be soft and not spicy, we agree on healthier juice drinks such as apple and guava," said Bey.

After confirming the dormitory facilities and food that will be provided to prospective Hajj pilgrims, Bey confirmed that Kertajati Airport and Cengkareng Airport can operate to serve flights to the Holy Land, because there is support from the Central Government.

"(Preparations for the Hajj departure) are very good because they are being escorted by the Secretary General (Indonesian Ministry of Religion). The airports are ready, Kertajati and in Cengkareng. We are optimistic that (the Hajj) will go more smoothly and we will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Religion for other preparations," said Bey.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Religion M. Ali Ramdhani is confident that the government's implementation of the 1445 Hijri Hajj pilgrimage will run smoothly and comfortably.

"We hope that the 1445 Hijriah pilgrimage will be one of the best Hajj events during President Joko Widodo's leadership," said Ali.

"God willing, everything has been prepared, and hopefully prayers from all citizens of the nation will ensure that this event can run well," he concluded.