"In the previous years, the benefits were only Rp10 trillion (around US$602 million). Hopefully, this year, it (the value) will reach more than Rp11 trillion," he said here on Sunday.
He noted that the higher the benefits are, the lower the hajj cost is for the community.
To achieve the target, he said, BPKH has made several efforts, such as renting out hotels, providing food, and preparing transportation for Indonesian hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
"The hajj fund management will be carried out optimally because this is the money of pilgrims, not the government. Thus, it must be managed well," the BPKH member remarked.
BPKH has stated that Indonesia's Hajj management fund grew positively and surpassed the target. As of late 2024, the total fund managed reached Rp171.65 trillion (around US$10.3 billion) or 101 percent of the target of Rp169.95 trillion (around US$10.2 billion).
Meanwhile, the benefits rose from Rp11.52 trillion to Rp11.56 trillion.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar expressed appreciation for the role of BPKH, which focuses on collecting, managing, utilizing, and distributing the Hajj fund for the benefit of the Muslim community.
"Since it was established on July 26, 2017, BPKH has successfully strengthened the Muslim community through measured programs and managed the Hajj fund transparently and accountably," the minister said.
Indonesia will dispatch 221 thousand hajj pilgrims in 2025. Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian hajj officers is capped at 2,210 this year.
Related news: Indonesia, Saudi discuss intensifying investment cooperation in Hajj
Related news: BPKH Limited signs two hotel management contracts in Saudi Arabia
Related news: Govt procures SAR 159 million banknotes for Hajj pilgrims' allowance
Translator: Ruth Intan, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
