TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Friday, January 27, 2023, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) held a discussion with Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH) Chairperson Fadlul Imansyah in relation to the Hajj pilgrimage cost increase plan for 2023.

"KPK invited the Religious Minister and BPKH Chairman upon evaluating the 2022 Hajj and plans to adjust the cost of organizing the 2023 Hajj," said KPK spokesperson Ipi Maryati on Friday, January 27, 2023.

According to Ipi, the meeting covers issues of the national Hajj program, the evaluation of last year’s Hajj, and determining the cost formulation of the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage. Such an evaluation is within the antigraft watchdog’s authority.

"Based on observations, two recommendations have not been completed yet. KPK will continue to assist the plan's implementation," said Ipi.

As previously reported, Religious Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas pitched the idea of increasing the cost of conducting the Hajj for 2023 to Rp69 million per person, which constitutes 70 percent of the cost of the actual calculation for performing the Hajj pilgrimage of Rp98 million. The remaining 30 percent (Rp29.7 million) will be covered by the government.

However, a politician from the National Mandate Party (PAN), Saleh Partaonan Daulay, urged the Religious Affairs Ministry to reconsider the plan of increasing the cost of the government-assisted Hajj pilgrimage program.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH I IMA DINI SHAFIRA

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