Dahnil Limits Non-Muslim Hajj Workers to Technical Tasks
The deputy minister said non-Muslim staff have been used since last year at embarkation and debarkation sites, including medical and technical crews.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak is limiting the involvement of non-Muslim Hajj workers to technical tasks that are not directly tied to worship. He said non-Muslim staff have been involved since last year, especially at embarkation and debarkation points in areas with Muslim minorities such as Sulawesi Utara, Papua, Maluku, and NTT. According to Dahnil, Hajj work covers the period from the time pilgrims depart from Indonesia until they return home, so roles such as doctors, nurses, technicians, and other support staff are possible. The response came from Deputy Chairman of Majelis Ulama Indonesia M Cholil Nafis, who stressed that guidance and the conduct of Hajj rituals must remain the responsibility of Muslims, while non-ritual field work can still involve people of different faiths.