Minister of Religion Divides 10.000 Hajj Quotas to All Provinces

Jakarta, MINA – The kongdom of Saudi Arabia has given an additional quota of Hajj pilgrims to Indonesia as 10,000 people. Indonesian Religion Minister, Lukman Saifuddin plans to divide the hajj quota proportionally to all provinces in Indonesia.

“We will share to all provinces. We will prioritize the elderly. So, elderly and their assistants, and other worshipers,” said Minister of Religion after Limited Meeting at State Palace on Thursday, as quoted from Sindonews.

Ministry of Religion will provide service facilities for 10,000 worshipers who are included in the additional quota. These efforts will be discussed together with the House of Representatives Commission, including those related to the budget.

“Because the consequences of 10,000 additional pilgrims are the need to provide a budget,” he said.

Additional budget that must be prepared not only for pilgrims, but also related to officers. The increasing number of pilgrims automatically adds flight groups (kloter). Therefore, additional flight attendants must also be needed.

This budget requirement will be obtained in part from the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). Other part is obtained from the efficiency that has been carried out by the Ministry of Religion.

“Finally, of course, the budget will be obtained from our state budget, especially to finance our officers. However, amount of the budget cannot be mentioned because we are still counting,” he said.

“The exact value of the budget needs will only be announced after being joined by the House of Representatives Commission VIII,” he concluded. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)