"We are mindful of public opinion, either those who object or not. I believe it will be considered by the DPR RI (Indonesian House of Representatives)," he said at the Presidential Palace Complex here on Tuesday.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has 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).
"We have no idea whether DPR RI and the ministry have decided something or not. Just wait," the coordinating minister said. The ministry and the parliament deliberated on the Hajj cost at a hearing meeting on Tuesday.
Effendy further said he has also discussed the Hajj cost increase with the Religious Affairs Ministry as it is the executing authority.
"We will seek ways to ensure that the decision is accepted by all. Although the acceptance level may not reach 100 percent, we will seek a middle ground," he added.
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas earlier 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, which is equal to Rp29,700,175 (US$1,900), will be funded through the Hajj development fund.
The new proposed Hajj cost formula seeks to balance prospective pilgrims' burden with the sustainability of the Hajj development fund, he explained.
Meanwhile, chair of the Hajj Pilgrimage Fund Working Group of DPR RI’s Commission VIII, 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 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.
Related news: Minister suggests gradual increase in 2023 Hajj pilgrimage cost
Related news: Ministry's travel plan sets Hajj departures in late May
Translator: Desca Lidya N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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