Minister Of Hajj Focuses On Pressing Costs And Preparing 2028 Hajj Villages

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Irfan Yusuf mentioned the Hajj Village Program to more affordable Hajj travel costs as a priority scale, after being officially inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace, Jakarta.

In his statement, Irfan said that the President gave directions for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to work optimally in order to provide the best service for pilgrims.

"Whatever needs to be done, do it to provide the best service to our pilgrims," said Irfan, imitating the President's message reported by ANTARA, Monday, September 8.

He said his experience during the last 10 months leading the Hajj Organizing Body at the Ministry of Religion, gave him a direct understanding of the great challenges of organizing Hajj, both in Indonesia and in Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the plan to build Hajj Village, Irfan ensured that his party and the Danantara ranks would return to Jeddah and Mecca to review the potential locations.

According to him, several options have been mapped since a month ago, including the construction of several power targets that are targeted to start useable in 2028.

"Tomorrow we will decide the location to be taken," he said.

Regarding the budget, Irfan emphasized that there will be no new additions. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will use the allocation previously managed by the Hajj Organizing Body as well as the transition from the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Organization of the Ministry of Religion.

He also said that the authority of this new institution is wider, especially in coordinating directly with the Ministry of Hajj of Saudi Arabia.

"That way, we can talk aboutpple to apple," he said.