The Government, DPR Agree on the 0.9% Increase of the 2018 Hajj Cost
Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saefuddin, accompanied by Head of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, delivers the 2018 Cost of Hajj, at the House Compund, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (12/3) (Photo: Religious Affairs Ministry).
The Government, in this case Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin- and Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR) have agreed on the 2018M/1439H hajj cost (BPIH) amounting to Rp35,235,602 or increased by the amount of 0.9% from last years average of BPIH at Rp34.89 million. There is a rise of Rp345,290 or 0.9%, the Minister said during a working meeting of the 1439H/2018M BPIH determination led by Head of Commission VIII of the DPR Ali Taher, at the House Compund, Senayan, in Jakarta, on Monday (12/3).
According to the Minister, there are three factors affecting the rise compared with last years. Firstly, the Saudi Arabian Government implements policy of 5% Good and Service Tax (GST) for all goods and services in Saudi Arabia. Secondly, arise in oil and fuel gas and electricity tariff in Saudi Arabia, as well as a rising price of aircraft fuel. Thirdly, the increase of exchange rate for IDR to USD and SAR. We are of the view that the rise of Rp345,290 or 0.9% is reasonable and rational, much less there will also service quality improvement compared with last years, the Minister said.
The Minister hopes the total amount of the 2018 BPIH should be promulgated soon to facilitate hajj pilgrims preparation easier. Moreover, an earlier certainty will also make hajj pilgrims easier to calculate for paying the cost.
Improving Services
Previously, Commission VIII Working Committee of the DPR and BPIH Working Committee of the Ministry of Religious Affairs have agreed to improve services to the Hajj pilgrims. The improvement includes adding hajj personnel up to 4,100 persons, in line with an increased of hajj quota. Besides, meal frequencies for hajj pilgrims in Mecca are now 40 times and in Medina 18 times.
Also attending the working meeting were, among others, Director General of Hajj and Umra Organizer (PHU) Nizar, Inspector General M. Nur Kholis Setiawan, Echelon II officials of the Directorate General of PHU, and Head of Bureau for Human Relations, Data, and Information Mastuki. (Humas Kemenag/*/ES) (EPI/YM/Naster)
