Wamenhaj asks Tarakan Hajj Dormitory to be reviewed, investigates alleged markup and old findings
TARAKAN - Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak asked that the construction and management of the Tarakan Transit Hajj Dormitory, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) be reviewed following the alleged old problems, ranging from administrative findings to community reports regarding the alleged markup of the project.
"The transition of the management of Hajj affairs from the Ministry of Religion to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah must be accompanied by a thorough evaluation of assets and projects that have previously been running," said Dahnil.
"SBSN is the state budget fund for the development of facilities and infrastructure, including the haj dormitory and the haj service center. Now what we are accelerating is the process of transition from the Ministry of Religion to the Ministry of Hajj," he continued.
He said, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah found a number of problems in several Hajj service assets in the region, both related to stalled construction and work that did not meet specifications. Therefore, his party conducted a review and reassessment of all assets that were transferred.
"We don't want old problems to be carried over to the new ministry. That's why we review all the assets that have been transferred," he said.
Dahnil said that similar evaluations were also carried out in a number of other areas, such as Indramayu and Jambi. Specifically in Tarakan, he wants to ensure that there are no unresolved development issues.
Therefore, Dahnil asked for assistance from law enforcement officials, including the Tarakan District Attorney's Office.
"I invite the Kejari to participate in the assessment and review, whether there are arrears with third parties, or there are findings from the inspectorate and BPK that have not been resolved," he said.
He emphasized that assistance from the prosecutor's office was needed to ensure that the management of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah was carried out with the principles of integrity and transparency.
In addition, Dahnil admitted that he had received information regarding public complaints regarding the alleged high price and markup of the development project.
"There are reports from the community regarding the high price or markup. It must be resolved, and the information is being processed by law enforcement," he said.
He also highlighted the condition of the building which was said to have been damaged by the earthquake. However, according to him, the condition must first be verified.
"It must be reviewed whether the earthquake is really the impact or it is because of the poor quality of the building," he said.
Dahnil hopes that the Tarakan Transit Hajj Dormitory can be used more widely, not only for pilgrims but also for umrah pilgrims. Moreover, the number of umrah pilgrims is much larger and has the potential to support direct flights from Kaltara to Saudi Arabia if optimally managed.
"This Hajj dormitory should not only be used for Hajj, but also for Umrah. If it is managed well, in the future it is very possible to fly directly to Saudi Arabia," he concluded.