Muslim worshippers circumambulate the sacred Kaaba in Mecca鈥檚 Grand Mosque, Islam鈥檚 holiest site, on March 7, 2020 (Photo by Abdel Ghani BASHIR / AFP)
Indonesia is pulling out of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca over coronavirus fears, the religious affairs ministry said Tuesday, removing the largest contingent of worshippers.
More than 220,000 people from the world鈥檚 biggest Muslim-majority country were set to take part in this year鈥檚 hajj, which all Muslims must perform at least once in their lives if able.
The global pandemic has plunged the ritual into doubt, but Riyadh has yet to announce a final decision on whether it will go ahead with the end-of-July celebration.
On Tuesday, Indonesia said it was pulling out of the pilgrimage, which last year drew about 2.5 million Muslims to Saudi Arabia from across the globe.
鈥淭his was a very bitter and difficult decision,鈥� religious affairs minister Fachrul Razi told a televised press briefing.
鈥淏ut we have a responsibility to protect our pilgrims and hajj workers.鈥�
Last month, Indonesia pressed Riyadh to announce its decision and President Joko Widodo later held a telephone call with Saudi Arabia鈥檚 King Salman on the matter, Razi said.
Jakarta had considered allowing half the usual number of pilgrims to travel in order to limit the risk, but instead opted to keep them all at home, he added.
The hajj is a key revenue earner for the kingdom but risks becoming a major source of contagion if millions flock to Mecca鈥檚 religious sites.
Indonesia鈥檚 decision was a disappointment for some who have been on a pilgrimage waiting list for years.
鈥淚 knew this was a possibility, but now that it鈥檚 official I can鈥檛 help but be heartbroken 鈥� I鈥檝e been waiting for years,鈥� 37-year-old civil servant Ria Taurisnawati told AFP as she sobbed.
鈥淎ll my preparations were done, the clothes were ready and I got the necessary vaccination. But God has another plan,鈥� she added.