Govt, DPR Agree on 2019 Hajj Cost
Religious Affairs Minister accompanied by the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII Speakers signs the 2019 BPIH, at the DPR office, Jakarta, Monday (4/2). (Photo by: Ministry of Religious Affairs)
Ministry of Religious Affairs on behalf of the Government and the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII have agreed on the Hajj Pilgrimage Cost (BPIH) for 1440 Hijr calender or 2019, which is set at Rp35,235,602.
The agreement on BPIH was signed by Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and the Speakers of Commission VIII of the DPR overseeing legal affairs, human rights and security during a Working Meeting between Ministry of Religious Affairs and the DPR on the Stipulation of BPIH for 1440 Hijr calender or 2019, at the DPR office, Jakarta, on Monday (4/2).
Head of BPIH Working Committee Ace Hasan Syadzily asserted that the hajj cost this year is similar to that in 2018. Thus, there is no increase in cost, he added.
In the meantime, Lukman expressed belief that this years performance of the Working Committee has improved and the deliberation process was done in a shorter time.
On behalf of the Government and Ministry of Religious Affairs, I would like to express my highest appreciation for the Working Committees extraordinary performance that supports the Government’s efforts to improve the quality of Hajj services this year, Lukman firmly said.
The Minister also said he was glad because this years hajj cost is the same as that in the previous year, with the average cost of Rp35,235,602. We must appreciate it since dollar rate this year is higher than previous years. In 2018, Rupiah is being traded at Rp13,888 against US$, while this year the figure increases to Rp14,200, he added.
Considering that the process in Working Committee was done in a shorter time than the previous year and there is no change in hajj cost, Lukman expressed belief that the President can stipulate this years BPIH immediately. Thus, the Ministry can start the preparation of the 2019 hajj, he added
On that occasion, the Ministry also called on prospective hajj pilgrims to prepare money to pay the rest of hajj cost immediately so that they can make the rest of the payment once the Presidential Decree on BPIH is issued.
Afterwards, they can perform manasik (haj rehearsal) and start taking care of their health because they will stay at Hajj dormitory on 6 July and depart to the Holy Land on 7 July, the Minister concluded. (Ministry of Religious Affairss PR Division/ES)
Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Muhardi
Proofread by : M. Ersan Pamungkas
