Pilgrims leaves Indonesia for Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The first group of Indonesian hajj pilgrims left Sunday for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, accompanied by Religious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni and other high-ranking officials, were present when the first group of pilgrims left Jakarta's Sukarno-Hatta international airport.

Hundreds of other pilgrims also left for Saudi Arabia Sunday through seven other Indonesian airports for the annual pilgrimage to the Moslem holy cities.

During this year's hajj season, Indonesia -- the world's most populous Muslim nation -- is sending an estimated 205,000 pilgrims.

The hajj season will climax on Idul Adha -- the Feast of Sacrifice -- Jan. 21.