"The most important homework is to build an integrated Hajj service ecosystem," BPKH executive agency member, Amri Yusuf, said after the members’ inauguration ceremony at the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Monday.
Yusuf further said he believes that the development of an integrated Hajj service ecosystem can generate added value for Indonesia.
For example, the consumption post, which has been the largest source of expenditure in the implementation of Hajj services, can bring great added value if managed properly.
"If we can manage the Hajj funds by providing food ingredients from Indonesia, such as fish or rice, we can bring added value and provide an extraordinary return for our economy. So, the multiplier effect is large," Yusuf explained.
Meanwhile, another member of the 2022–2027 BPKH, Harry Alexander, said that the development of an integrated Hajj ecosystem will also help maintain Indonesia's trade balance.
“So, our trade balance will be maintained. Secondly, we may also become exporters. We hope that our pilgrims will consume Indonesian products. The key to this program is an ecosystem," he added.
Yusuf said that the BPKH will continue to communicate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Indonesian House of Representatives to realize the development of an integrated Hajj service ecosystem.
"The system will bring a positive impact on our economy with Hajj funds," he remarked.
Apart from Yusuf and Alexander, five other members have been appointed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to BPKH for 2022–2027: Acep Riana Jayaprawira, Arief Mufraini, Fadlul Imansyah, Indra Gunawan, and Sulistyowati.
The President has also inaugurated seven members of the BPKH Supervisory Board—Firmansyah N. Nazaroedin, who will also serve as its chairman, and Deni Suardini, Heru Muara Sidik, Ishfah Abidal Azis, M. Dawud Arif Khan, Mulyadi, and Rojikin.
The inauguration ceremony that took place on Monday was attended by, among others, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy; Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati; and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.
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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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