Govt to set hajj pilgrimage cost at lowest possible level

Jakarta, NU Online
The government is committed to setting the 2011 hajj pilgrimage cost (ONH) at the lowest possible level commensurate with the quality of hajj pilgrimage services, President Yudhoyono said on Thursday.

In his introduction before chairing a plenary cabinet session to discuss the organization of the hajj pilgrimage this year, President Yudhoyono said that in the ONH there were some cost components could not be decided by the government only.

But he added that the government remains committed to setting the ONH at the lowest possible level.

"Hajj expenses must be precise and as affordable as possible because there are other factors beyond the government`s control," the president was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

The president noted that the implementation of the hajj in the past seven years had a lot of shortcomings which were complained by prospective hajj pilgrims.

Therefore the head of state instructed Religious Affairs Ministry to improve and refine its service in the organization of hajj pilgrimage.

President Yudhoyono called for improvement of coordination at all stages in the organization of the hajj pilgrimage and adequate service and information for all prospective hajj pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali predicted that hajj expenses this year could be lower the cost of several components could be lowered.

Suryadharma said that based on a consultation meeting with the House of Representatives, the government has proposed that the airplane ticket for the holy land be lowered by US$150 for US$1,754 which was decided by Transportation Ministry.

Besides, the government also proposed that the profit gained by airline companies which have a cooperation with the government so far be reduced from 10 percent to 4 percent.

However, the religious affairs minister ensured the ONH reduction would not affect the service quality for the prospective hajj pilgrims. (dar)