"We are now discussing the correct (Hajj cost) subsidy (to ensure) that the amount will be acceptable by residents, yet not compromising the Hajj fund, and the subsidy can be continued sustainably," Amin informed here on Friday.
He said that an overly-high subsidy -- the Hajj cost subsidy in 2022 was 59 percent of the total cost -- could compromise the Hajj fund intended for development purposes, whose profits will be used to subsidize pilgrims.
"To ensure it will not (compromise the fund), the subsidy must be reduced. We are currently discussing this," he added.
The Religious Affairs Ministry earlier proposed that the Hajj pilgrimage cost borne by prospective pilgrims this year be set at Rp69,193,733 (US$4,428) per person, almost double the 2022 cost of Rp39,886,009 (US$2,552).
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said that the personal cost proposed this year accounts for 70 percent of the total Hajj cost of Rp98,893,909 (US$6,329) per person this year.
He added that 30 percent of the cost, equal to Rp29,700,175 (US$1,900), will be funded from the Hajj development fund.
The new proposed Hajj pilgrimage cost formula seeks to balance the prospective pilgrims' burden with the sustainability of the Hajj development fund, he explained.
Meanwhile, chair of the Hajj Pilgrimage Fund Working Group of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), Marwan Dasopang, suggested that the duration of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is normally 40 days, be reduced to 35 days to trim costs.
According to his calculation, pilgrims can perform a 30-day Hajj by spending 9 days in Medina, 6 days on the outskirts of Mecca to perform the core Hajj rituals, and another 15 days in Mecca.
Up to Rp1.2 trillion (US$76.8 million) in funds can be saved by organizing a 30-day Hajj, he said.
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Translator: Desca Lidya N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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