Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) has assured that the management of Hajj finances does not involve a Ponzi system since the agency is prioritizing transparency and accountability to guarantee the safety of funds.

"The BPKH has routinely reported the State Officials' Wealth Report (LHKPN) to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)," the head of BPKH Fadlul Imansyah said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Imansyah said that people can feel safe and comfortable with the management of Hajj finances, which are regulated by the BPKH in collaboration with the KPK.

He said he hopes people will believe that there is no misuse of funds because BPHK has maintained its credibility.

His agency also ensures that every year, it contributes to the country in the form of benefits for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims together with the Religious Affairs Ministry.

"Until now, the level of liquidity and solvency of Hajj finance is very safe so it is expected to continue to help prospective pilgrims in the current year," he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the BPKH’s Executing Agency for Finance and Risk Management Acep Riana Jayaprawira said that people do not need to worry about Hajj finances.

"The initial deposit from the pilgrims will be safe with no Ponzi scheme. The pilgrims' money will not be used for other purposes," Jayaprawira emphasized.

He said that the Rp5–6 trillion in funds owned by pilgrims could still be accumulated because only half the pilgrims departed.

However, regarding authority, his party is only responsible for preparing funds and following the rules issued by the government and Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Earlier on Thursday, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, discussed the implementation of the 2023 pilgrimage and the Indonesian Hajj quota of 221 thousand with the DPR's Commission VIII at the Parliament Complex.

For the 2023 Hajj, the Religious Affairs Ministry has proposed that the average cost of the pilgrimage will be Rp69,193,733 per person.

"This proposal is based on the consideration of fulfilling the principles of justice and sustainability of Hajj funds. This formulation has also gone through a review process," Minister Qoumas informed.

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Translator: Luthfia Miranda P, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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