JAKARTA: There is a huge demand from Indonesians to perform Hajj, since they form the largest Muslim population in the world, but to be able to go on one is not an easy matter. Most of those who want to go have to endure tedious years of waiting, and much also depends on where they live.
Residents in Bantaeng, a regency in Southeast Sulawesi, have to wait the longest — until 2050. Western Southeast Maluku regency has the shortest wait, with 57 people on the list to depart in 2020.
But some have been lucky enough to be able to go this year. Slamet Widodo, 54, a school principal from Semarang, Central Java, departed for Hajj on August 16 after he was selected as a member of the Semarang pilgrims’ regional observers’ team.
“I had to participate in a selection process from May to June, until it was confirmed that I was selected and would be able to go on Hajj,” he told Arab News.
Widodo applied as an observer last year and had already passed the selection process, but his place on the team was canceled at the last minute. “Maybe it was God’s way of showing that it was not yet my time to go on Hajj,” he said, and he found it a blessing in disguise because his school was selected to receive a government grant, and as the headmaster, he had to sign the agreement. “It happened during the Hajj season. If I had gone, my school would not have received the grant.”
Taufan Erikson Sjukri also found a blessing in the disguise of his delayed departure in 2015. Along with his siblings and sister-in-law, he registered to go on Hajj in 2012. He was told that he was on a three-year waiting list, and when the Hajj quota for Indonesia was reduced by 20 percent in 2013 from 211,000 to 168,800 because of renovations at the holy sites, he had to wait even longer.
Taufan found out that he was cleared to go this year; he also found that his older brother and sister-in-law, as well as an older sister, were all scheduled to go by the end of August.
“Maybe it was our luck to get postponed so that we could go together now. If it had been on schedule, we would have gone on Hajj separately,” Taufan told Arab News.
In January, President Joko Widodo announced that the government of Saudi Arabia has reinstated the quota back to normal for this year’s Hajj season.
“In addition to reinstating the quota back to 211,000, the government of Saudi Arabia has agreed to Indonesia’s request for additional quota and decided to add another 10,000. Therefore, the Hajj quota for Indonesia in 2017 increased from 168,800 to 221,000. That means Indonesia had a quota increase of 52,200,” the president said when he announced the news at the presidential palace on Jan. 11.
Despite the good news, it did not deter people from looking for shortcuts to go on Hajj sooner than if they were to wait by registering through the government.
On August 9, immigration officials at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, Southeast Sulawesi, stopped a group of 40 individuals aiming to go on Hajj using pilgrimage visas as they were embarking to Singapore but bound for Makkah.
“After questioning each one of them, it was confirmed that they were going to Saudi Arabia, but taking the unusual route via Singapore and Colombo, from where they would blend in as if they had departed for Makkah as part of the pilgrim group from Colombo,” immigration office spokesman Agung Sampurno told Arab News.
Sampurno said they were victims of a bogus travel agent who offered them an alternative way to reach Saudi Arabia so they could perform Hajj without having to queue in for decades in the country.
“We were suspicious because we know the Kingdom doesn’t issue any other type of visa except for the Hajj visa during the Hajj season. This is a common modus people would take during this season,” Sampurno said, and the government has established that there are at least 9,000 Indonesians who reached Saudi Arabia using similar means and will be deported after Eid.
Sampurno said the case was similar to last year when 177 Indonesians were detained by Philippines authorities for posing as Filipinos and using fake Philippine passports to go on Hajj using the Philippines’ unused quota.
“Except that this time they don’t use fake passports, they just tried to blend in as if they were part of the Colombo delegation,” Sampurno said.
Increased Hajj quota comes as relief for Indonesians despite mammoth waiting list
Increased Hajj quota comes as relief for Indonesians despite mammoth waiting list
Saudi Arabia highlights global humanitarian efforts at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil
- Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council made the comments during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brazil
RIYADH: Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, commended Brazil’s initiative to launch the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty, affirming that Saudi Arabia has been a member of the alliance since May 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This came during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brasilia, Brazil, focusing on the theme “Parliaments for a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet.”
Al-Sulami led the Kingdom’s delegation at the international gathering, revealing that Riyadh would host the UN Conference on Land and Drought in December.
The deputy speaker elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and hunger through the efforts of the government and the Shoura Council, which have created a social safety net through various support programs, the Social Development Bank, and the contribution of charitable organizations.
On the international front, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions have been substantial, SPA reported. From 1975 to 2024, the Kingdom provided nearly $133 billion in development assistance, reaching 171 countries worldwide. This aid has supported over 7,090 humanitarian and development projects. Currently, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre manages 1,700 projects aimed at combating hunger and poverty around the world.
Al-Sulami highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to workplace equality through its adoption of ILO Conventions 100 and 111. The Kingdom’s laws ensure equal pay and employment opportunities, with no discrimination between men and women in jobs and wages. These efforts have yielded significant results, with female participation in the labor market reaching 37 percent by 2023, exceeding expectations set in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The Kingdom has also provided $187 million in urgent relief to Gaza, along with $1.6 billion in development and humanitarian assistance, according to SPA.
Saudi Arabia launched the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in partnership with other Arab and Islamic countries, the EU, and Norway, hosting its first meeting in Riyadh on Oct. 30, 2024. Following the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2023, the Kingdom announced another edition of the summit scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024. These efforts aim to achieve an immediate ceasefire, end the Israeli occupation, provide relief to the Palestinian people, and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The P20 summit addressed several crucial topics, including parliamentary contributions to fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality; the role of parliaments in sustainable development; and adapting parliamentary systems to 21st-century governance challenges. Iman Al-Jubreen, a member of the Shoura Council delegation, presented a working paper on women’s representation in decision-making positions, sharing Saudi Arabia’s experience in women’s empowerment.
Hundreds of events set to wow audiences at Jazan’s winter festival
- Al-Ghazwani said this year’s winter season would last for 90 days
- The calendar includes the international book fair, craft bus, Saudi international coffee festival and Jazan international festival
RIYADH: Audiences will be spoilt for choice at the Jazan Winter Festival, with 300 fantastic events on the program, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
General supervisor Yahya bin Jaber Al-Ghazwani told a press conference that the festival, under the patronage of Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, included 200 diverse events implemented by the region’s secretariat and 100 by other government agencies and departments.
Al-Ghazwani said this year’s winter season would last for 90 days with events taking place at 42 sites across Jazan city and the region’s governorates.
The calendar includes the international book fair, craft bus, Saudi international coffee festival and Jazan international festival for performing arts, along with concerts, cultural events, forums, poetry evenings, sports events, waterfront events, and park and heritage events.
On Thursday, the skies above Jazan’s North Corniche witnessed the launch of more than 3,000 balloons in various colors to celebrate the Jazan Winter Festival 2025.
Hundreds of residents, visitors and volunteers marveled at the spectacle, which included artistic formations of illuminated balloons.
The event marks the start of a busy winter season aimed at promoting local tourism in an atmosphere of joy and entertainment.
Northern Borders region experiences unusual start to winter
- National Center for Meteorology forecasts more rain, hailstorm
RIYADH: Heavy rain, snow and giant hailstones mean the Northern Borders region in Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unusual start to winter.
Video clips shared on social media show hail and snow blanketing areas in Al-Jouf, Hail and Tabuk with the mountains now covered, according to local residents.
Posting a video on X, a user called Sarahh wrote: “Hail suffered heavy hail on 2 November, the desert road between Rafha and Hail turned white. Heavy hail also occurred in Turaif and north of Madinah region.”
Saudi Arabia.
— Sarahh (@Sarahhuniverse) November 7, 2024
November 2, 2024
Hail suffered heavy hail on 2 November, The desert road between Rafhaa and Hail turned white. Heavy hail also occurred in Turaif and north of Medina. pic.twitter.com/LBFVYOjIZ3
While snowfall is not unusual in the region each year, the early onset of winter has taken people by surprise as it is usually experienced in December and January.
“The heavy rainfall, hailstorm, with record-breaking sub-zero temperatures at this time and snowfall as a result … are a pleasant surprise and also an indicator that climate change is real. For those who say climate change is not real, take a peek at the cold weather conditions that Saudi Arabia is currently going through in the Northern Borders region at the onset of winter,” said Riyadh resident Mohammed Al-Harbi.
The weather has also caused flash floods in some areas, while on Friday the National Center for Meteorology forecast: “Dust-stirring winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain accompanied by hail, leading to flash floods in parts of Hail, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, Jazan, Aseer, and Al-Baha.”
Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions, it said, adding that there may also be fog in those areas and in southern parts of the Eastern region.
Meanwhile, winds over the Red Sea will be westerly to north westerly at speeds of 10-30 km per hour in northern and central parts, and southwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10-30 km per hour in the southern part. Waves may reach from 1-1.5 meters with thunder clouds forming in the latter, with calm to choppy waters.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northerly to northwesterly, reaching 10-40 km per hour. Waves may range from 1-2 meters and the sea will be relatively calm.
Saudi Arabia advocates for global cooperation to end hunger, ensure food security
- Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti says agriculture is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development
- He was speaking at the "A World Without Hunger” conference in Addis Ababa
RIYADH: The Kingdom sees agriculture as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and supporting economic growth, Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti said this week.
Al-Mushaiti led the Saudi delegation to the three-day “A World Without Hunger” conference that began on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During his conference speech, Al-Mushaiti said that agriculture also played a key role in job creation and prosperity for local communities. This came through the strengthening of farmer support systems and the promotion of modern agricultural practices to increase production and improve efficiency, ultimately achieving food security.
“The significant progress made in science, innovation and modern technologies has contributed to addressing many urgent global food challenges,” Al-Mushaiti said. “However, the advancement achieved in enhancing food security remains insufficient. This underscores the crucial importance of intensifying global efforts and activating policies to develop practical and effective solutions.”
The deputy minister said that direct food aid and humanitarian relief efforts had played a key role in providing short-term solutions to food insecurity in many countries. He said that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center had implemented about 900 food security projects in 78 countries worldwide, reflecting the Kingdom’s humanitarian role and support for peoples facing severe conditions.
Al-Mushaiti said that boosting investment in the agriculture and food sectors had become paramount to building a world free of hunger. This could be achieved through adopting innovation and modern farming techniques, as well as providing flexible financing solutions to increase production and build resilience in agricultural and food systems.
“The Kingdom welcomes agricultural investments in all fields and offers incentives and support for investors globally,” Al-Mushaaiti said. “We seek to expand agricultural investment in countries with competitive advantages, abundant natural resources and growing markets, to leverage integrated agricultural capabilities and create more job opportunities toward achieving food security.”
Al-Mushaaiti stressed the need to strengthen multilateral international cooperation and engagement with global organizations, in addition to promoting fair trade in line with WTO standards. This, he said, would contribute to building a world free of hunger, alongside other essential steps such as exchanging best agricultural practices and technologies, expanding access to innovative financing, and enhancing infrastructure and social safety net programs.
Al-Mushaiti said that the Kingdom had taken several steps in this direction. This included launching programs and initiatives such as the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, which contributed to increasing the income of small-scale farmers and improving their living standards, and the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority“Monsha’at” Authority to support micro, small and medium enterprises in the sector, through financing, training and job opportunities, and other ambitious projects and programs that worked to support the agricultural sector and activate its contribution to achieving food security.
The “A World Without Hunger” conference was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the African Union Commission and the Ethiopian government, with the participation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, to discuss topics related to the agriculture, food production and technology sectors, as well as food security, finance, food safety, infrastructure and more.
Sudanese cultural festival begins at Suwaidi Park
RIYADH: A cultural festival at Suwaidi Park is inviting visitors to explore the rich heritage and traditions of Sudan.
Part of Riyadh Season, the event takes place until Nov. 17 and features Sudanese music, dancing, food and crafts.
Content creator Hamoud Waleed said cultural festivals played a key role in building connections and understanding.
“Events like this are very important because sometimes you can’t go to see their tradition and culture. But when these cultures come to us here … it lets us know more and more about other people, how they live, what their interests are, and how we can engage with them,” he said.
“When we talk about Sudanese culture, it’s beautiful and comes from a very old history and nice heritage, and when it comes to us, it lets us know more about it, and this is exactly what we are seeing here in Suwaidi Park.”
Sudanese nationals make up 6.1 percent of the Kingdom’s population, according to the Saudi Census, so such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony between communities.
Sudanese singer Youssef Khairy highlighted the diversity of his culture, explaining how sharing traditions strengthened bonds between different people.
“Music unites us all, regardless of colors, shapes, languages, religions, or ways of thinking,” he said. “I am here to represent Nubian music, Nubian heritage and the Nubian civilization.”
Live music and dance performances during the festival are bringing Sudanese heritage to life and offering audiences an authentic cultural experience.
Visitor Olaa Abdulnaaem said these, along with the lively atmosphere, and engaging children’s activities, were standout features for her.
Hiam Othman, a Sudanese attire designer, said the festival had significantly promoted her business. “Our products have been well-received, and they reflect our Sudanese culture,” she said.
Riyadh Season 2024 has already drawn 4 million visitors from around the world, according to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. He believes the surge in attendance reflects a growing appetite for cultural exploration and new experiences.
The festival is part of the Global Harmony initiative by the Ministry of Media and the General Entertainment Authority, which is aligned with the goals of the Quality of Life Program. The scheme celebrates the Kingdom’s multicultural landscape by highlighting the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents.
In the coming weeks, Global Harmony will celebrate a variety of cultures. After the Sudanese festival there will be a Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian event from Nov. 17-19, Bangladeshi from Nov. 20-23, and Egyptian from Nov. 24-30.
Launched on Oct. 17, the initiative began with music and dance honoring the culture of Indian expatriates.
