TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The House of Representatives (DPR) has demanded President Joko Widodo reduce hajj costs to ease the burdens of hajj pilgrims embarking on the religious trip this year.
Fikri Faqih, a member of the House's Commission VIII overseeing religion, social affairs and women's empowerment, said even though the dollar rate against the rupiah was increasing, hajj cost could be lowered if the government cut back on some of its expenses.
“There are many fundings that can be decreased so that hajj cost can be cheaper,” said Fikri, while giving an example that airfare could be reduced in light of the tumbling oil prices. The Jokowi government is also asked to have efficient expenditures for lodging and catering in Saudi Arabia.
The government is slated to hold a meeting with commission VIII in late april to determine hajj cost this year. Fikri also asked appointed banks to accept payment in dollar.
In February, the House proposed that Hajj Pilgrimage Cost (BPIH) in 2015 be decreased from the average US$3,219 to US$3,193. In 2014, hajj cost ranged from Rp39 million to Rp41 million while the plus category was Rp90 million.
Abdul Jamil, the director general for hajj and minor hajj at the Religious Affairs Ministry, said he would make a hajj cost concept to be discussed with the DPR. He added the ministry will continue to take efficiency measures to reduce hajj cost. “The strengthening of the US dollar against the rupiah is beyond the ministry’s authority,” said Abdul.
Presently, the ministry is still in talks with PT Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Arabian Airlines, and is preparing lodging and catering for would-be hajj pilgrims. Abdul said he would sway caterers into providing food for hajj pilgrims with Indonesian taste.
ROFIUDDIN