House Of Representatives Commission VIII: Don't Let The Ministry Of Hajj And Umrah Get Caught In Corruption Issues

Illustration of the Atmosphere of the Grand Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the implementation of the pilgrimage. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA Member of Commission VIII DPR, Maman Imanulhaq, reminded not to let the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah which have been officially formed be trapped in classic problems such as corruption cases. As happened at the Ministry of Religion when led by Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

This was said by Maman in response to the inauguration of Mochamad Irfan Yusuf (Gus Irfan) as Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak as Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, September 8.

Maman welcomed the President's move to form a new ministry that focuses on organizing Hajj and Umrah. According to him, the presence of this ministry marks the government's seriousness in improving the quality of service for the congregation. However, he reminded that this great mandate should not be tarnished by corrupt practices.

"We certainly welcome the birth of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. But more importantly, do not let this ministry get caught up in a classic problem, namely corruption. The corruption case of the Hajj quota that occurred in 2024 must be a stern warning. That should not happen again," Maman told reporters, Thursday, September 11.

As a member of Commission VIII of the DPR RI in charge of religious, social and community empowerment issues, Maman emphasized that her party would carry out strict supervisory functions. He emphasized that corrupt practices in the management of Hajj are not only detrimental to the state, but also hurt the feelings of Muslims who fulfill the fifth Islamic pillars with full sacrifice.

Every year millions of Muslims save for years in order to go to the holy land. When there is misuse of quotas or budget irregularities, it means that the state fails to protect the rights of the congregation. We don't want that to happen again," he said.

Maman said that the future implementation of the pilgrimage must be more professional, modern, and oriented towards congregational services. This includes quota management, registration digitization system, cost transparency, providing proper accommodation and transportation, to strengthening health services.

"Hajj pilgrims must leave in peace and return safely. The state is obliged to ensure that all aspects of travel and worship run smoothly. For this reason, professional governance is needed, not just ceremonial or political interests," said Maman.

In addition, the PKB Legislative from the West Java IX electoral district also encourages synergy between the government, the DPR, Islamic organizations, and civil society under the supervision of the hajj. He said that strong public supervision is the key so that this new ministry remains on the right track.

With the presence of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Maman hopes that people's trust in organizing the hajj will increase, and Indonesia can be an example of a country that successfully manages the pilgrimage in a modern, transparent, and free from corrupt practices.

"We in the DPR are ready to cooperate with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in building a clean hajj implementation system. However, we will also be critical partners so that every rupiah and every hajj quota is fully used for the benefit of the congregation," he concluded.