Ministry Of Religion Asks For Additional Hajj Budget Of IDR 1.5 Trillion, PKB Legislator: Must Be Detailed For Real Needs

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Ministry of Religion) proposed an additional budget of Saudi Arabia Riyal (SAR) SAR380,516,587.42 or equivalent to Rp1,463,721,741,330.89 or Rp1.46 trillion for the implementation of the Hajj in 1443 H/2022 AD.

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Coumas said that the budget proposal was made to adjust the policy developments of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly related to services in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (community services).

In response, Member of Commission VIII of the DPR from the PKB faction, Luqman Hakim, assessed that the additional budget allocation of Rp. 1.5 trillion must be explained in detail for any needs.

"Regarding the additional Rp 1.5 trillion in costs explained by the Minister of Religion, in principle I agree that it is important to explain in as much detail as possible so that we can all understand that the Rp 1.5 trillion additional budget is a real need," said Luqman at the DPR Building, Monday, May 30.

The PKB legislator for the Central Java electoral district reminded that the additional budget should not interfere with the implementation of the pilgrimage that has been prepared. He also suggested that a solution be sought regarding the additional budget for Hajj operations.

"Whatever the cost of organizing this pilgrimage, like it or not, like it or not, we must find a way out together," said Luqman.

Previously, the Indonesian Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas explained that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implemented a community service package system with a fee per congregation of SAR5,656.87.

On the other hand, the budget that has been agreed between the government and Commission VIII of the DPR on April 13, 2022 is only SAR1,531.02 per congregation.

"So there is a shortage of SAR4,125.02 per congregation, or a total of SAR380,516,587.42 or with an exchange rate of SAR1 = Rp3,846.67, equivalent to Rp 1,463,721,741,330.89," said Win Yaqut in a Working Meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR, Monday, May 30.

Yaqut explained, for Regional Hajj Officers (PHD) and KBIHU Advisors, the total budget shortfall was SAR2,388,412.83 or with an exchange rate of SAR1=Rp3,846.67 equivalent to Rp9,187,435,980.78.

In addition, in the preparation of hajj flight services, especially for flights served by Saudi Arabian Airline, an additional fee is required in the form of a Technical Landing fee for the Surabaya Embarkation Congregation who must first land at Soekarno Hatta airport in the amount of Rp. 25,733,232,000.00, as well as a foreign exchange fee of Rp. Rp19,279,594,400,000.

In addition to the additional budget, Yaqut also proposed a budget for services to special hajj pilgrims who used the special Bipih hajj benefits deposit amounting to Rp9,321,913.000,00.

"With this additional budget requirement, we have submitted a letter to the Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI Number B-165/MA/KU.00/05/2022 dated 27 May 2022 regarding the Supplemental Budget Proposal," concluded Yaqut.