Next year, there will likely be proportional financingJakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Ministry's Director General of Hajj and Umrah Hilman Latief hinted at a possible adjustment to the cost of Hajj pilgrimage on account of an increase in prices of accommodation and transportation, among others.
"Next year, there will likely be proportional financing," Latief noted here on Friday.
In 2022, Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are required to pay Rp39.8 million of the total Hajj cost of Rp98 million.
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The cost has increased as compared to the previous years. In 2019, each pilgrim had to pay Rp35.2 million for the pilgrimage.
Latief emphasized the importance of people understanding the concept of istitha'ah (ability), which is a requirement for Hajj. He explained that the concept entailed physical ability, or health, as well as financial ability. The obligation for Hajj pilgrimage is for those, who are istitha'ah.
"People should be provided broader understanding regarding istitha'ah, including the cost aspect," he emphasized.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stated that Indonesia's Hajj pilgrim quota next year may increase as compared to 2022, which only stood at 100,051 people.
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To this end, he noted that this aspect should be anticipated by the ranks of the ministry's Directorate of Hajj and Umrah. He advised that preparations for the pilgrimage must be more mature and detailed.
After two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia allowed one million international pilgrims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in 2022.
Although it permitted foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, Saudi Arabia laid down two conditions for them. First, they had to be less than 65 years of age, and they were required to take the full dose of any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Saudi Health Ministry.
Second, pilgrims traveling from abroad were required to carry a certificate showing a negative PCR result, with the test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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