Airport Is The Starting Point Of Indonesian Hajj Services In Saudi Arabia

Madinah, MINA – The arrival of Indonesian hajj pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (AMAA) in Madinah represents the first face of Indonesian hajj services in Saudi Arabia.

Head of the Airport Regional Work Office, Abdul Basir, on Saturday emphasized that all officers are required to work not only quickly and orderly but also with sensitivity to the condition of pilgrims who have just endured a long journey.

Pilgrim arrivals are not only marked by the process of disembarking from the aircraft and retrieving luggage. Behind each arrival, there is a series of services prepared in layers by hajj officers of the Airport Work Office, ranging from welcoming, assistance for the elderly and disabled, luggage supervision, to coordination of pilgrims’ health, he explained.

“The airport is the starting point where pilgrims feel the services in the Holy Land. So from the moment they disembark from the plane, officers must be present. Not only to direct but also to calm, assist, and ensure that no pilgrim feels alone,” said Abdul Basir.

According to him, most pilgrims arrive in a tired condition after hours of flying. Not a few elderly pilgrims require special assistance, whether when exiting the plane, heading to the immigration area, waiting for luggage, or when being directed to buses for departure to hotels.

“For us, the airport process might seem ordinary. But for pilgrims, especially the elderly, this is a big journey in their lives. Some are flying for the first time, some are exhausted, some are anxious looking for their group or belongings. That is where officers must work with heart,” he said.

Abdul Basir explained that airport services are carried out through coordination among several elements, ranging from airport sector officers, health officers, pilgrim protection officers, to relevant authorities. Every arrival flow is monitored so that pilgrims can move in an orderly, safe manner and avoid congestion in service areas.

This task is not easy. Officers work outdoors, facing scorching heat during the day, piercing cold at night, strong winds, and frequently blowing dust. However, Abdul Basir emphasized that thoroughness remains the key.

“Pilgrims’ belongings are part of their comfort. When a suitcase is found, a wheelchair is not swapped, or a cane can be returned to its owner, it may seem simple. But for pilgrims, it means a lot,” he said.

In addition to baggage and mobility aspects, the Airport Work Office also pays serious attention to the health condition of pilgrims. This aligns with the Central Hajj Organizing Committee’s emphasis that health checks during embarkation must be tightened and not become a formality, and that istita’ah (health eligibility) status is an absolute requirement for pilgrims’ departure.

Abdul Basir stated that upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, airport officers continue to observe the condition of pilgrims, especially those who appear weak, experience excessive fatigue, or need medical assistance. If a pilgrim requiring treatment is found, officers immediately coordinate with the health team.

“We do not want any pilgrim to be overlooked. If someone appears weak, confused, or in need of help, officers must be responsive. Airport service is not only about the smooth flow of arrivals but also about the safety and sense of security of pilgrims,” he stressed.

The Head of the Airport Regional Work Office, Abdul Basir, added that the success of airport services greatly depends on the cohesiveness of officers on the ground. Each person has their own role, but all lead to the same goal: ensuring pilgrims arrive, move, and continue their journey to the hotel properly.

“Officers may work behind the scenes, but the impact is directly felt by pilgrims. A pilgrim’s smile when helped, a sense of relief when their belongings are found, or calmness when directed to the bus, that becomes our energy to continue serving,” said Abdul Basir.

Abdul Basir hopes that all Airport Work Office officers continue to maintain stamina, discipline, and empathy during the hajj operational period. According to him, good service is born not only from a neat system but also from the patience and care of officers in dealing with various pilgrim conditions.

“We are serving the guests of Allah. Therefore, this duty must be carried out with responsibility, thoroughness, and an open heart. Hopefully, every small help we provide becomes part of the smoothness of the pilgrims’ worship,” he concluded. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)