The Establishment Of The Hajj Committee Is Accelerated Following Changes To The 2024 Hajj Travel Rules By Saudi Arabia

Archival Photos - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI Maman Imanul Haq (three left) shaking hands with Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (three right) / DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI Maman Imanul Haq stated that the formation of the Hajj Working Committee (Panja) was immediately accelerated, following the Saudi Arabian Government's policy of changing the rules for Hajj travel in 2024. "Changes to these rules, namely there will be no more special locations for pilgrims in certain countries in Arafah and Mina. This means that for countries that are faster to complete all contracts and ready for the Hajj season of 1445 Hijri/2025 AD, they can first determine a place in Arafah and Mina," he said in a written statement in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, July 3. After the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) issued the results of the audit, Commission VIII of the DPR RI immediately made a Hajj Committee to conduct discussions, evaluations, and solutions for organizing the hajj. He said the evaluation started with the matter of officers, facilities, and regulations carried out by the Government of Saudi Arabia. This means that the DPR RI will be more proactive because there are concerns that if it is a bit late, Indonesian pilgrims may not get a matab or a place further to go to Jamarat. He stated that the new policy was a challenge for Indonesia. Therefore, if the government has a strong "bargaining position" and sufficient funds, then this can be resolved. "I see this as a kind of liberalization of the implementation of Hajj by the Government of Saudi Arabia. So, what if we are weak in terms of negotiators or funds. Moreover, we are always later than other countries in determining budgets, then it will make us not only far from the current matab, it will even more difficult to get a place," he said.

He added that this change in rules was very worrying. Therefore, from the beginning the DPR RI has warned the Ministry of Religion that the liberalization of the implementation of Umrah and Hajj will really make Indonesia have to be more alert and more responsive to fight for the best service for Indonesian pilgrims.