PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. BEKASI - Regional Secretary Dedy Supriyadi together with the Head of the Bekasi Regency Ministry of Religion Office, as well as elements from Forkopimda released 440 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Bekasi Regency 1445 Hijriah.

The activity took place at the Swatantra Wibawa Mukti Building, Bekasi Regency Central Cikarang Regional Government Complex on Monday (13/5/2024).

The 440 prospective Hajj pilgrims consist of 432 Hajj pilgrims and 8 Hajj officers from Bekasi Regency.

Dedy, who was present on behalf of the Acting Regent of Bekasi, said that the Hajj pilgrimage is a worship that requires excellent physical and mental health while in the holy land.

He appealed to the entire congregation to maintain their physical and mental condition to stay healthy.

"We appeal to the fathers/mothers and brothers and sisters of prospective Hajj pilgrims to prepare optimally physically. Maintain your health, so that it is always in good condition. And to always be humble in carrying out your worship in the holy land," he said.

He also advised the Hajj accompanying officers and Bekasi Regency health officers to provide the best service to all Hajj pilgrims.

In this way, added Dedy, it is his hope that all Hajj pilgrims, both when leaving and returning to their homeland, will return safe and healthy.

"Hopefully you will stay healthy and well, there will be no shortage of anything when you return to your homeland," he continued.

Head of the Bekasi Regency Ministry of Religion Office, Shobirin, explained that in 2024, Bekasi Regency will receive a Hajj quota of 2,249 people. This quota is divided into eight flying groups (kloter).

"Four flying groups are full of congregations from Bekasi Regency, numbering 432 people. Meanwhile, the other groups are joining the Regency-City group in West Java," he said.

Regarding the health of prospective Hajj pilgrims, he continued, this year the government is implementing a policy so that the pilgrims are ensured of both physical and mental health (istitha'ah), in accordance with detailed screening before paying off the Hajj expenses.

Meanwhile, he added, the previous year's payment for Hajj took priority over istitha'ah or ability.

"In the past, paying off (hajj expenses) was done first before doing a health check or istitha'ah. With the minister's policy this year, God willing, the health of the Hajj pilgrims will be more controlled and monitored. And this istitha'ah will be a barometer or condition for the Hajj pilgrims to be able to leave," he stressed. (Diskominfo, Bekasi/Revo Regency)