Those interested can register at the office of the Indonesian consulate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The information, social and cultural affairs officer, Fauzy Chusny, told Arab News that the language program would be conducted twice a week in the evening for 3 months at the consulate’s premises.

“This is a cultural program to help the community, Saudi citizens and businessmen, to cope with the language barrier while visiting Indonesia. It will also help Saudi volunteers to handle and assist Indonesian pilgrims during their visit to the Kingdom,” said Chusny.

He said that the South Asian Haj foundation had also submitted a request for the language classes, as every year a large number of Indonesian pilgrims visit the Kingdom.

“Last year, almost 240,000 pilgrims visited the Kingdom. They mostly don’t speak Arabic or English, making it very important for the staff of the South Asian Haj foundation to learn the language in order to help them in a better way. It is a good chance for Saudi youths to learn the language and work in a better way,” he explained.

The aim of the language course is to bring the people of the two countries closer to each other by removing the language barrier and to improve the relationship between the two countries and people on ethnic and economical level.

A certificate of participation will be awarded to those attending the course. The application form can be obtained through the website at www.kemlu.go.id/jeddah.