"BP Haji has worked and transferred Rp 2.7 trillion for entrance fee for Hajj," Simanjuntak said in Padang, West Sumatera on Saturday.
According to him, BP Haji is currently managing the syarikah that will serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land, after receiving confirmation from the State Secretariat and President of Indonesia.
It included setting the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) after the Hajj affairs were fully transferred from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to BP Haji.
He said that the government, especially President Prabowo, has been committed to providing quality Hajj services since his presidential candidacy in 2014 and 2019.
According to him, one of the President's major visions in the religious sector was the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. However, it could only be realized in 2024, when he was elected head of state.
In addition to improving the quality of Hajj services, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also aims to improve the organization of Hajj, particularly within the relevant ministries.
"So, the criticism of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was a self-correction, because we are part of it," he said.
The House of Representatives (DPR RI) during its first session of 2025-2026 approved the Draft Law (RUU) concerning the Third Amendment to Law Number 8 of 2019 concerning Hajj and Umrah Implementation into law, which establishes the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
It means that all infrastructure and human resources for Hajj organizers will be under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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