TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said the government would raise the budget for hajj operational after Saudi Arabia granted more pilgrims quota for Indonesia of up to 10,000 this year. The quota initially amounted to 221,000 pilgrims.

Lukman explained his ministry would get an extra budget from various sources. “Some from Haj Fund Management Agency (BPKH), some from the ministry’s budget efficiency, and the last option from the State Budget (APBN),” said the minister in the State Palace complex, Jakarta, on Thursday, April 18.

According to Lukman, the ministry was still calculating the figure, and that the decision will be published during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) commission of religious affairs. “Hopefully, on Tuesday next week,” he said.

The United Development Party (PPP) senior politician underlined his side would afford the best service for pilgrims despite the quota hike. “We will thoroughly prepare anything needed, such as facility procurement and service,” he added.

Lukman further said the quota addition would be distributed evenly to all Indonesia’s provinces. “The main priority is for elderly and their companions and other pilgrims,” he said.

Earlier, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo this morning held a limited cabinet meeting about haj quota. The Saudi Arabian government granted more Hajj quota for Indonesia following the meeting between Jokowi and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman during his visit on Sunday, April 14.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI