Areas at Mecca Grand Mosque Still Difficult for Pilgrims with Disabilities to Access
"Although the Saudi authorities have made significant improvements, pilgrims with special needs still require intensive supervision," Muchlis Hanafi, the Director of Foreign Hajj Services at the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry, who also serves as the Chairperson of the 2025 Hajj Worship Organizing Committee, said on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Saudi Arabian Hajj Worship Organizing Committee, has prepared technical guidelines for elderly-friendly and disability-friendly Hajj. For example, special tent placements with easy access to toilets in Arafah and Mina, he said.
"Additionally, special movement schemes are in place, such as safari wukuf (standing at Arafah) for pilgrims who cannot perform wukuf in Arafah. There is also a murur (passing through) scheme in Muzdalifah for pilgrims with disabilities without having to stay overnight in Muzdalifah," said Muchlis.
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He added that the access barriers are also being addressed through coordinating wheelchair services with service providers and involving volunteer support personnel, particularly Middle Eastern student volunteers, especially in companion activities.
"We are strengthening the special needs reporting system to ensure that every pilgrim with disabilities receives documented, systematic assistance from the moment they arrive until the peak of worship," stated Muchlis.
Source: en.tempo.co
