55 Indonesian pilgrims die in Saudi

Source: Xinhuanet | 12-20-2006 14:32

JAKARTA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 55 Indonesian pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia when performing the religious journey in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina since the pilgrimage began late in November, according to a report reaching here Wednesday.

Most of the deaths were pilgrims of above 60 years old, according to a report from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The death toll comprises 34 men and 21 women, it said.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, sends 205,000 pilgrims for the annual religious journey, which any Muslim must perform at least once in their lives if they can afford the cost.

Editor:Du Xiaodan