Push for Hajj Law Revision Aligns with President's Directive

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenhaj) is actively advocating for a revision of Law Number 34 of 2014 concerning Hajj Financial Management. The primary goal is to enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring that the funds contributed by prospective pilgrims are fully accounted for and exclusively used for Hajj-related services.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that the ministry supports the legislative amendment as it directly follows President Prabowo Subianto's instructions. The President has emphasized that Hajj financial management must be transparent, accountable, and avoid placing undue burdens on the public.

"Indeed, we are pushing for future Hajj financial management, in accordance with the President's instructions, to be transparent and accountable. All funds used from the pilgrims must be fully accounted for and used for Hajj," Simanjuntak was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Thursday.

Through the revision process, Kemenhaj seeks to provide greater convenience for prospective Hajj pilgrims and maximize the benefits derived from their financial contributions. The ministry also urged the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) to prioritize accumulating funds for the benefit of pilgrims rather than for institutional interests. Simanjuntak further indicated a preference for optimizing the existing initial deposit of Rp25 million to yield high returns, rather than increasing the upfront payment required from pilgrims.

“

Indeed, we are pushing for future Hajj financial management, in accordance with the President's instructions, to be transparent and accountable. All funds used from the pilgrims must be fully accounted for and used for Hajj.