TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Association of Indonesia Hajj and Umrah Organizers (Amphuri) on Friday called on the government to provide incentives and stimulus for Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU) and Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK) following the cancellation of Indonesia’s 2021 hajj pilgrimage.

“Following the decision to cancel the hajj pilgrimage this year, Amphuri hopes the government has prepared incentives and stimulus for both the PPIU and PIHK,” said Amphuri chairperson Firman M. Nur to Tempo on June 4.

The incentives he referred to included soft loans for the hajj and umrah business sector along with tax reduction schemes. He also expressed hope for the government to involve Amphuri in developing Indonesia’s halal tourism projects, spearheaded by the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry.

Responding to the government’s decision to cancel this year’s hajj travel, Amphuri as an organization noted that it respects this decision and considering the current pandemic it is highly understandable.

“Amphuri respects the government’s decision, which was announced by Religious Affairs Minister Gus Yaqut who canceled the departure of hajj and umrah pilgrims based on the safety of the pilgrims amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has yet to pass,” said Firman M. Nur.

Another aspect that drove Indonesia’s decision to cancel the annual religious event for this year is the fact that Saudi Arabia has not opened its access nor has it provided a clear hajj quota for Indonesia.

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CAESAR AKBAR