The search for Idun Rohim Zen (87), an Indonesian hajj pilgrims who went missing for more than 20 days is still ongoing by the Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) in Saudi A ...
MADINAH – The search for Idun Rohim Zen (87), an Indonesian hajj pilgrims who went missing for more than 20 days is still ongoing by the Hajj Organizing Officials (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia. Currently, the search for the pilgrims, who are part of group 20 from the Embarkation Point of Palembang, has expanded to include the city of Madinah.
Head of the Madinah Area Office (Kadaker), Zaenal Muttaqin, stated that the search for Idun is still underway. "Our colleagues from the Hajj Protection Team (Linjam) are continuing their efforts, and we in Madinah are also sharing information in case the pilgrims are in Madinah," he said on Wednesday (19/7/2023).
Zaenal explained that based on the information received, the pilgrims went missing while they were still in Arafah, Makkah. He expressed hope that the person in question will be found soon.
"Yes, yesterday we found Mr. Suharja from Kertajati in the Majalengka area and only one person, Mr. Indun, is left. Hopefully, he will be found soon. So, three pilgrims are missing, and the bodies of two have already been found," he explained.
Zaenal emphasized that even though the hajj is over, the search for Idun will continue indefinitely. He stated that the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI), as the representative of the Indonesian Government in Saudi Arabia, will carry on with the search.
"We have the representation of our country, the KJRI, through the technical staff in charge of hajj affairs or the Office of Hajj Affairs (KUH) will continue the search. So, when the hajj officials finish their duties, it does not mean the search stops. It will be continued by the relevant authorities appointed by the country to protect Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia. There is no time limit," he asserted.
The same applies to sick pilgrims. Even though their groups have returned to Indonesia, those who are ill will still be taken care of by the Saudi Arabian Government. When they are deemed fit for travel, they will be accompanied by officials from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia through the technical staff in charge of hajj affairs or the Office of Hajj Affairs.
"So, efforts to find them continue from various angles. Yesterday, when we were with Mr. Harun, he mentioned that there are several hospitals and places where bodies are stored, and we are constantly searching for them," Zaenal added.
If there is an official statement from the Saudi Arabian authorities, Zaenal stated that they will inform the families and the public. "We have the consulate, which is in contact with the Saudi Arabian government. When, for example, a body is found or someone who fits the description that has been circulated, it will be photographed or video recorded. It is not just the responsibility of the officials on duty, but we also build networks," he explained.
Zaenal gave an example of how the body of Suharja, one of the missing pilgrims was found not by Indonesian citizens but by the security forces or community members. "Suddenly, it was found at the mustasfa," he said.(*)
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