JAKARTA, BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE – The Hajj Pilgrimage Organizing Committee (PPIH) of Saudi Arabia has urged Indonesian pilgrims not to bring non-prescription drugs and excessive amounts of cigarettes on their flights to the Holy Land.
Head of the Airport Working Area (Daker) Abdul Basir said excessive items could slow down the service process at the airport.
“Non-prescription drugs, cigarettes in large quantities, can trigger additional checks from the Saudi Arabian airport. This will disrupt the smooth service,” Basir said in his statement in Jakarta, Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Other luggage that also needs to be considered is food. Food must be wrapped reasonably and not too tightly and thickly using tape.
“We ask that food be wrapped appropriately. Don’t let it be wrapped too tightly with duct tape, it will arouse the suspicion of airport officials,” said Basir.
He emphasized the importance of pilgrims’ cooperation to ensure the arrival process runs smoothly. In addition, pilgrims are asked to pay attention to the difference in items that can be brought into the cabin and those that must enter luggage.
On the first day, 17 groups were scheduled to arrive at Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport (AMAA) in Madinah. With the tight schedule, the smoothness of the service is highly dependent on the readiness of the officers and the pilgrims’ compliance with the rules.
“If the pilgrims’ luggage follows the rules, the service process can be faster and more convenient for all parties,” he said.
Previously, the Hajj Pilgrimage Organizer (PPIH), Saudi Arabia Working Area (Daker) Airport, expressed full readiness to welcome the arrival of the first batch of Indonesian pilgrims scheduled to arrive at Madinah Airport on May 2, 2025.
On the first day, 17 batches are scheduled to arrive, three of which will land in the morning, namely JKG 1 at 06.15, LOP 1 at 07.20, and SOC 1 at 09.40.
