Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has called on all Hajj officials to maintain professionalism and exercise good self-control while providing services to the pilgrims.

"Do your job professionally and with responsibility. Make sure you are in good control of your emotions while carrying out your tasks," the minister stated while opening a training course for Hajj officials for the 2016 Hajj pilgrimage season at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta on Tuesday.

The minister pointed out that the Hajj officials would require to demonstrate good professionalism and self-control to handle various on-field problems.

Saifuddin mentioned the weather forecast pointing to a severe heat wave during this years pilgrimage season. Since there are several Hajj pilgrims with high health risks; hence, the officials should take heed of this matter.

The minister underscored the important roles of Hajj officials in boosting the satisfaction index of Hajj pilgrims over the services offered by the government.

This year, the government will send some 168,800 would-be Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land, Saudi Arabia, to perform the rituals. The pilgrims will be assisted by 826 Hajj officials deployed across Mecca, Medina, and Jidda. Of the stationed Hajj officials, some 300 are medical workers.

The opening event of the course for Hajj officials was also attended by Commission VIII Chairman of the House of Representatives Ali Taher Parasong and Director General for Hajj and Minor Hajj Affairs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Abdul Djamil.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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