LAMANRIAU.COM, JAKARTA – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Riyadh urged Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Saudi Arabia not to travel to the City of Mecca and Medina for the time being.
This is related to efforts to prevent the spread of a new type of corona virus, COVID-19, as stated in a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, which was received in Jakarta on Sunday.
“Until now there is still a temporary ban not to perform Umrah worship for Umrah pilgrims from all countries, including citizens of Saudi Arabia and expatriates who live outside and inside the cities of Mecca and Medina,” the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh wrote.
The Saudi Arabian authorities also restricted all aircraft arrivals from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain to only three airports. These are the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
The policy came into force on March 7, 2020, where on the same day, the Saudi Ministry of Sports banned attendance of spectators in every sporting event.
While King Salman Abdulaziz also issued a decree concerning the reopening of the tawaf courtyard.
“However, the opening of the tawaf courtyard is not intended for the Umrah pilgrims, but for the Sunnah tawafs which are not part of the Umrah worship tawaf,” said the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh.
In addition, the Indonesian Embassy also reminded Indonesian citizens to be careful in receiving and disseminating information related to COVID-19.
“Considering the threat to hoax spreaders in Saudi Arabia is very high, namely a fine of three million Saudi Arabia riyals and a five-year prison term,” the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh explained. (ant)
