Special Committee: DPR Recommendations To Referr To Investigation Of Hajj Implementation

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JAKARTA - The House of Representatives' Special Committee (Pansus) regarding the implementation of the 2024 Hajj has issued a number of recommendations after conducting a thorough investigation into the implementation of the 2024 Hajj. This recommendation from the DPR is expected to be a reference for various parties in investigating and improving Hajj governance.

The report on the results of the investigation by the DPR's Hajj Special Committee was submitted at the last Plenary Meeting of the DPR for the 2019-2024 Period which was held at the Nusantara II Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (30/9/2024). The report contains various recommendations read out by the Chairman of the DPR's Hajj Committee, Nusron Wahid.

The Hajj Anggat Special Committee was formed on August 19, 2024, to review the implementation of Law Number 8 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah, especially regarding the distribution of hajj quotas and governance which are deemed necessary to be improved in terms of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the 2024 Hajj.

"There are several aspects that we study. First, related to the management of the hajj quota; second, the management of the Hajj; third, the management of the hajj; fourth, the management of human resources and hajj officers; and finally, related to institutions," said Member of the Special Committee for Hajj Hajj DPR RI Selly Andriany Change at the DPR Building after the Plenary Meeting.

The Special Committee has carried out various investigative steps, including public hearings (RDPU) as well as inspections of relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), to gather information regarding the governance of hajj quotas and related management.

On August 28, 2024, the Special Committee found data discrepancies in the management of the hajj quota, particularly related to the determination of an additional 10,000 hajj quota which was deemed necessary to equalize. Furthermore, on September 2, 2024, the Special Committee began to explore aspects of managing this quota with the involvement of various parties, including the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to maintain transparency in the process.

The Special Committee emphasized the importance of auditing the Integrated Hajj Computerization System (Siskohat) to ensure better governance, especially related to mahram merger data.

"We are committed to fighting for justice and transparency through the revision of the Hajj Law," said Selly emphasizing.

Based on the results of the investigation, the Special Committee issued five recommendations related to the evaluation of the implementation of the pilgrimage. First, it is necessary to revise Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah, as well as Law No. 34 of 2014 concerning Hajj Financial Management, so that it is more in accordance with the current conditions in Saudi Arabia.

"These two laws must be collaborated and adjusted to the changes that occur," said Selly, who is also a member of Commission VIII DPR RI.

The second recommendation is that the system for determining the hajj quota must be more transparent and accountable, especially for special Hajj and additional quotas. The special committee also emphasized the importance of information disclosure to the public in every decision related to Hajj.

In the third recommendation, the Special Committee encourages investigations into the implementation of the Hajj to be further strengthened, both in terms of planning and post-hajj evaluation. "We want a more stringent investigation at every stage," explained Selly.

The fourth recommendation emphasized the strengthening of the role of internal government supervisory institutions, such as the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Religion and BPKP, in supervising the implementation of Hajj. If necessary, according to Selly, external supervision from the BPK or law enforcement officials can be involved.

"The DPR's recommendation is a reference for investigating the implementation of the Hajj," he said.

Finally, the Special Committee provides recommendations for the upcoming Government to select Ministry of Religion officials who are more competent in managing the Hajj. Selly hopes that the Minister of Religion who will come will be more accommodating and professional in carrying out his duties.

"In conclusion, we hope that in the future, the management of Hajj can be more professional and accountable, and supported by a more cooperative figure of the Minister," concluded Selly.