Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak Uncovers Allegations of Rp1.4 Billion Hajj Fraud, KBIHU Threatened with Revocation of Permit

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak revealed the alleged fraud in the DAM and badal haji services worth around Rp. 1.4 billion. This case is suspected of involving individuals from the West Java-based Hajj and Umrah Guidance Group (KBIHU) who work with mukimin.

The case was revealed from the investigation of the PPIH Hajj Protection Team together with the Indonesian Consulate General in Saudi Arabia. The government is preparing administrative sanctions to criminal proceedings against those proven to be involved.

"The pilgrimage is clearly a fraud. For the dakhili pilgrimage, which only applies to the local community, the cost is around Rp. 40 million per person. So it is impossible for the pilgrimage to be offered for Rp. 10 million per person," said Dahnil at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Monday, June 8, quoted from an official statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, June 9.

According to Dahnil, the alleged practice includes a hajj for about 140 people with a rate of around Rp. 10 million per pilgrim.

In addition to the haj subsidy, the government found alleged irregularities in the payment of DAM. The pilgrims were said to have been charged 720 riyals, but the funds were not deposited through the official Adahi channel set by the Saudi authorities.

"The congregation was charged 720 riyals, but it was not deposited to Adahi. They bought through the mukimin for around 400 riyals, then the difference was taken," he said.

This case came to light after a number of worshipers claimed not to have received an official receipt from Adahi.

"Quite a lot of people were harmed. This case started with a complaint from a congregation who did not receive an official receipt," said Dahnil.

He said this practice should not be allowed because it makes the congregation a commodity. Dahnil also alluded to the unhealthy Hajj service ecosystem and it has been systematic.

"Many hate me with the Minister because this Hajj cartel has already been systematic. We need a KBIHU that is honest to guide the congregation. Don't make the congregation a commodity," he said.

Dahnil emphasized that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah would act decisively if the alleged violations were proven. The steps prepared ranged from revoking permits to coordinating with law enforcement agencies in Indonesia.

"We will make sure that this KBIHU person is disciplined administratively, we withdraw his permit, and we process it criminally," he said.

The government will also announce the results of the investigation publicly, including the KBIHU suspected of being involved. Official explanations will be delivered by the joint spokesperson team of the Directorate General of Control, the Inspector General, and the Directorate of Haji and Umrah.

On the same occasion, Dahnil released the return of the Kloter KNO 7 congregation in Jeddah. He asked the congregation to maintain their health during the repatriation process and to continue to follow the instructions of the officers.

According to Dahnil, the government paid special attention to the health condition of the pilgrims, especially when the second wave started moving towards Madinah.

"What we are worried about is the declining health condition which results in a high death rate. That's what we have to take care of," he said.