JAKARTA - Director of the Postgraduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Asep Saepudin Jahar assessed that the increase in the cost of Hajj or Bipih travel was reasonable.
According to him, the increase in Bipih to Rp69,193,733.60 was rational so that the congregation avoided the Ponzi scheme.
"The proposal is very rational, precise, and avoids the Ponzi scheme," Asep said in a written statement, Sunday, January 22, quoted by Antara.
He said that based on data from the 2010-2022 Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), the value of the benefits (NM) of hajj funds did not reflect the real value.
For example, within four years 2010-2014 (NM 2010 Rp4.45 million; NM 2014 Rp19.24 million), the value of the benefits of the Hajj Implementation Fee (BPIH) is above 400 percent.
"This is impossible. This is a concern so that there is a tendency (the opportunity) for the Ponzi scheme in the use of the value of the benefits of Hajj funds," he said.
He said there was no reason whatsoever could justify Ponzi's scheme because there was an element of injustice and was dangerous for the long term.
Asep emphasized that the increase in Bipih is important so that the cost of hajj is based on real needs, government subsidies, and avoiding financial abuse.
He reminded that the case that befell prospective Umrah pilgrims for First Travel was due to a Ponzi scheme, where the company offered low prices and managed finances with a Ponzi scheme.
"The unilaterally non-transparent circulation of money is the same as investing money without the approval of the registrant," said Asep.
He suggested that the Ministry of Religion, in this case represented by the Director General of Hajj and Umrah, carry out comprehensive supervision to avoid cases of embezzlement of hajj pilgrims funds.
The long waiting period for Hajj, he said, should not then be used as an excuse for the elements to benefit from the Hajj funds that settle while waiting for payment.
"For travel companies that are caught doing that, they must be dealt with firmly," he said.
Another factor, according to Asep, is "istithoah" and justice where relatively less rational hajj funds make the buildup of prospective pilgrims for decades.
According to him, if this is not addressed, it will result in speculation of funds on the one hand and an irrational waiting period so that the Ministry of Religion's steps to increase the cost of Biph on the basis of this rationalization need to be appreciated.
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