The Cost Of Hajj Swells Rp9.1 Million, MCC Politicians Propose 3 Anticipation Options

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JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Bukhori Yusuf asked the government to anticipate and overcome the increase in hajj costs in 2021.

He also encouraged the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) to carefully calculate the cost of hajj during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are worried that if not handled wisely, the increase could reach 26.50 percent. Consequently, this figure will be quite burdensome for prospective pilgrims," Bukhori said in Jakarta, Thursday, April 8.

The politician of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) then proposed 3 options to reduce the surge in hajj costs that will have an impact on prospective pilgrims.

First, the government must provide hajj subsidies. Especially budget allocation for the needs of the implementation of health protocols.

Second, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) to take a proactive role towards prospective pilgrims in accordance with the mandate of the Hajj Law. The goal is to provide protection and services for the congregation so that they can perform their worship according to Shariah.

"I think this is the government room, in this case the Ministry of Health, to be able to present to provide protection and service to its people. Therefore, it is not impossible if the cost of PCR can be borne by the Ministry of Health," explained Bukhori.

Third, he suggested that pilgrims who have arrived in the country can be allowed to quarantine in their homes. This is done so that there is no swelling of costs that burden the pilgrims.

"The presence of the country is highly anticipated to give them cheerful news. Therefore, the MCC Faction encourages all alternatives so that the cost of hajj this year can be suppressed so as not to complicate the community, especially prospective pilgrims," said Bukhori.

The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) projects an increase in the Cost of Hajj (BPIH) for 2021 of around Rp9.1 million per person.

With details, for non-subsidized costs initially amounted to Rp35.2 million to around Rp44 million per person. As for subsidies to Rp43.11 million from Rp33.9 million. This figure is based on a 25 percent quota scenario basis." So there was an increase of Rp9.1 million. This has been discussed in FGD," said Bpkh Head Anggito Abimanyu in a hearing meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Tuesday, April 6.