Call Menhaj during the recess, Commission VIII of the DPR wants to ensure the schedule for the implementation of the 2026 Hajj

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Marwan Dasopang, revealed the reason why his party summoned the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusufdi, in the middle of the DPR recess.

He said the DPR wanted to ensure that the 2024 Hajj schedule could be carried out well by the new ministry, especially after the flood and landslide disasters in Sumatra.

"This meeting ensures that the schedule for carrying out the hajj can be carried out well by the Ministry of Hajj," said Marwan at the DPR building, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, December 23.

Marwan assessed that the current condition is also a challenge for the Ministry of Religion. Moreover, there are three provinces that are affected by floods and landslides which have the potential to disrupt the implementation of the hajj, especially prospective pilgrims from Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

"This certainly causes challenges for us, so we need to provide a legal umbrella for the Minister of Hajj to take steps. But still, according to regulations and laws," said Marwan.

For example, continued Marwan, if there is a quota for Hajj in the region that is not absorbed, then Menhaj must take a measured policy.

"For example, because of a disaster, the quota is not absorbed. Where is the quota put? There must be a legal umbrella," he continued.

In addition, the closed meeting also discussed the payment of Hajj expenses, the determination of isti'toah, to handling prospective Hajj pilgrims affected by disasters. Commission VIII of the DPR, also touched on the importance of grouping pilgrims and certainty of the kloter.

"If it is decided that cluster one, it cannot be moved because it will be a problem later in Saudi Arabia. We have received a commitment from the Minister of Hajj that this schedule will be implemented properly," he said.

However, continued Marwan, Commission VIII still gives room for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to take emergency policies if the preparations for the 2026 Hajj cannot be carried out according to schedule.

"It is still possible to give one article to take emergency steps, but still a corridor in accordance with regulations and laws," he concluded.