Press Hajj Fees, Government Will Copy Malaysia's Way

In order to reduce the cost of Hajj, the Presidential Special Advisor for Hajj, Muhadjir Effendy, suggested that aircraft carrying pilgrims could also be used for commercial flights.

"If it can be found other alternatives, for example following regular flights and then later when they return home, the empty plane to Indonesia can transport tourists or transport migrant workers who are on leave. It will have extraordinary added value," said Muhadjir in Central Jakarta, Thursday, November 6.

This scheme is considered to be a solution to reduce the cost of Hajj. So far, the amount of the cost of Hajj is partly due to the congregation having to bear the use of charter planes.

Our current flight is still chartered. So the pilgrims actually cover the cost of going home for the plane. When delivering the congregation, the return is also borne by the congregation, double. Now, that's what makes the cost for the plane very expensive, "said Muhadjir.

If implemented, this scheme is believed to provide significant added value and reduce the cost of Hajj optimally.

In addition, according to Muhadjir, the scheme that has been implemented in Malaysia has proven successful, even being able to bring in tourists from Saudi Arabia with cheap tickets during the Hajj season.

"Malaysia, during the Hajj season, tourists from Saudi Arabia come there because they take advantage of cheap tickets for returning planes between Hajj," he said.