TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the House of Representatives’ (DPR) Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs, Yandri Susanto, lamented Minister Fachrul Razi’s decision to cancel the 2020 hajj pilgrimage without prior discussion with the legislative.

Yandri opined such a decision must be deliberated with the DPR. “But the Religious Affairs Minister makes the announcement today, maybe he does not know the law,” he told reporters on Tuesday, June 2.

As mandated in Law No. 8/2020 on hajj and minor hajj or umrah, the establishment of hajj and umrah must be decided by the government along with the DPR. The government, Yandri underlined, could not issue a one-sided decision.

He admitted that last Friday, May 29, the minister had sent a letter requesting a working meeting to the commission on Tuesday. Yet it was slated to be held on Thursday, June 4, considering the recess period, and the minister had been noticed.

“Suddenly, without prior call or Whatsapp chat, [hajj cancellation] is announced today,” said the National Mandate Party (PAN) politician.

There are many consequences that will follow from the decision, Yandri said. He also questioned hajj funds that have been paid by would-be pilgrims, the quota arrangement for 2021 hajj pilgrimage, up to the State Budget for hajj implementation that worth Rp351 billion.

Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi announced the cancellation of the 2020 hajj pilgrimage due to concerns over the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | AHMAD FAIZ