PKB Urges Government to Take Action on Alleged Hajj and DAM Fraud English: PKB Urges Government to Take Action on Alleged Hajj and DAM Fraud
Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKB Faction, Mahdalena, asked the government to take firm action and tighten supervision of the implementation of the hajj pilgrimage and payment of DAM (fines). This step follows the findings of the PPIH Hajj Protection team together with the Indonesian Consulate General regarding the alleged practice of hajj pilgrimage fraud whose transactions reached Rp. 1.4 billion, as well as manipulation of the deposit of DAM pilgrims which was illegally transferred to the mukimin.
"The discovery of this case of fraud in the haj and pilgrimage is not allowed because the public is a victim of fraud. The government must act decisively and tighten supervision so that similar practices do not occur again," Mahdalena told reporters, Friday, June 12.
This case came to light after a number of worshipers complained that they did not receive an official certificate or proof of payment from the official Adahi channel, even though they had deposited 720 riyals.
Mahdalena emphasized that the modus operandi of fraud that takes advantage of the sanctity of the worship intentions of the pilgrims must not be tolerated and must be dragged into the legal realm. He also warned that allowing this type of Hajj mafia would damage the entire governance and credibility of the Indonesian Hajj service.
The PKB legislator from the NTB District also asked the Ministry of Religion to coordinate with law enforcement officers to hunt down the perpetrators in order to provide a deterrent effect and ensure the comfort of worshipers in the holy land.
"Strict action must be taken so that perpetrators are punished and there are no more illegal practices. This is not only about material losses, but also about public trust and their devotion in carrying out their worship. The state must be present to provide protection to all pilgrims," concluded Mahdalena.