Deputy Chairperson Of The MPR Suggests Aceh To Be The Hajj Embarkation Next Year

Sufmi Dasco/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, suggested that Aceh be the only embarkation for the departure of prospective pilgrims from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia next year.

According to Dasco, there are a number of reasons why his proposal deserves consideration. One of them is the shorter distance to the holy land.

"The distance is only 6 hours (from Aceh to Saudi Arabia). Then historically, we all know that Aceh is known as the Veranda of Mecca," Dasco said in his statement, Wednesday, June 29. The daily chairman of the Gerindra Party asked Commission VIII of the DPR and the Ministry of Religion to review the proposal in depth and comprehensively. Because Dasco hopes that his proposal can reduce the cost of hajj to be more effective and efficient. However, if the proposal is accepted, said Dasco, it must also be accompanied by maximum service.

"So, in terms of financing, it is not too burdensome for the pilgrims. However, it is still with quality and optimal services," said Dasco.

For information, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has signed Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 5 of 2022 concerning the Cost of Organizing the Hajj in 1443 Hijriah/2022 AD which is sourced from Hajj Travel Costs, Benefit Values and Efficiency Funds.

The presidential decree signed by Jokowi on April 29, 2022 regulates the cost of hajj per embarkation. There are twelve dictums in the Presidential Decree.

In the fifth dictum, it was decided that the amount of Bipih 1443 Hijri/2O22 AD came from the pilgrims. The amount of cost per embarkation are: a. The Aceh Embarkation amounted to Rp. 35,660,857.00b. Medan Embarkation amounting to Rp.36,393,073.00c. Batam Embarkation amounting to Rp39,686,009.00d. Padang Embarkation amounted to Rp37,411,480.00e. Palembang Embarkation amounting to Rp.39,806.009.00f. Jakarta Embarkation in the amount of Rp. 39,886.009.00 (Pondok Gede) g. Jakarta Embarkation amounting to Rp.39,886.009.00 (Bekasi) h. Solo Embarkation amounting to Rp40,262,721.00i. Surabaya Embarkation amounted to Rp.42,586.009.00j. Banjarmasin Embarkation amounted to Rp41,235,290.00k. Balikpapan Embarkation amounted to Rp41,362,590.00l. Lombok Embarkation amounted to Rp41,647,741.00m. Makassar Embarkation amounting to Rp.42,686,506,00