I

t was a tragic loss and I could not avoid being deeply saddened to learn the news of the recent tragic accident at the site of the jumrah (stoning of the Devil) ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia, which left hundreds of pilgrims, including several of our beloved Indonesian families and friends, dead. We solemnly pray that God Almighty will bless all victims and grant fortitude to all bereaved families.

I am sure that the tragedy was purely a man-made accident, and that a repeat incident can be avoided in the future. The flow of hundreds or thousands of people in the street could be managed well by the relevant authorities in order to prevent them of becoming victims of sudden chaotic situations and severe stampedes.

I sincerely would like to propose to His Majesty, The King of Saudi Arabia through Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Jakarta, that the Kingdom'€™s authorities seriously investigate and find the roots of the problem to prevent similar accidents from recurring.

Regardless of the recent accident, millions of Muslims from every corner of the world will continue to visit Saudi Arabia including Mina for their haj pilgrimage, as they have the right to. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should be fully responsible for their safety and security during the pilgrimage season.  

Hence, it is time for the Kingdom to build and apply an affordable man-made anti-stampede control system by building an automatic blockade system along the road to jumrah stoning site that could automatically be applied in a time of emergency. Professional guards should also be made available to operate and run the system 24 hours during the jumrah session.

A hydraulic barricade system every 500 meters along the road should be built and handled and operated by professionals, particularly during the peak season of the stoning session to avoid any stampede. I am sure the Indonesian government and its professional architects and businesspeople would be willing to participate in building this services and system, as long as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considers it necessary.

Sahat Sitorus
Inspector for African and Middle East regions
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Jakarta