Vice President Alludes To The Indonesian Hajj-Umrah Fund Only Gives Unilateral Benefits To Saudi

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin/PHOTO BETWEEN HO BPMI SETWAPRES

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin alluded to the large amount of funds for organizing the Hajj and Umrah from Indonesia, but only provided unilateral benefits to the people and the Government of Saudi Arabia.

"The Hajj and Umrah trips bring in a lot of funds, which have been enjoyed by Saudi Arabia. All educational facilities, transportation, accommodation, food, and consumption are all the Saudi governments," said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin when giving a speech at the Gathering Forum between Hajj and Umrah Travel (SATHU) and the Muslim Association of Hajj and Umrah Organizers of the Republic of Indonesia (AMPHURI) in Jakarta as reported by ANTARA, Monday, September 2.

The Vice President assessed that the Indonesian side only brought money to Saudi Arabia through the implementation of the Hajj and Umrah, but the multiplier effect was only felt by the government and the people of Saudi Arabia.

The Vice President also highlighted the discussion of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani with the Minister of Finance of Saudi Arabia to discuss the benefits that the two countries could feel from organizing the worship.

The vice president hopes that the Saudi government can make policies that provide benefits not only to one party, but also to non-Saudi parties, including Indonesia.

"Isn't it better if the benefits are not only for Saudis, but also for Indonesia to get some of it, we just share transportation, accommodation, so that all Saudis don't get it, we can get it. Hopefully in the future the consumption will be there and so on, so the benefits will start to return," said the Vice President.

In addition to the value of benefits, the Vice President also emphasized that the Indonesian government can establish better communication with the Saudi government so that the implementation of Hajj and Umrah is better.

In addition, the Ministry of Religion through the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) can be more accountable, transparent, quality and proactive in formulating anticipatory steps and reducing the risk of services that may arise.

The Vice President appreciated the holding of gathering activities with the association of Hajj and Umrah organizers so that the search for solutions and recommendations was better.