JAKARTA RAYA – Menteri Agama RI, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas or Gus Yaqut proposed the installment payment scheme for the settlement of hajj fees or pilgrimage costs in the 1445 H/2024 M pilgrimage. This proposal is made to ease the burden on prospective hajj pilgrims, especially if the initial payment will be increased.
“The scheme we are preparing has not yet reached the increase in hajj fees, but we are proposing an installment formula for settlement so that prospective pilgrims do not feel too burdened,” said Minister Yaqut after the closing ceremony of the National Congress and Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama at the Hajj Dormitory in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/9/2023).
Currently, the prevailing system is that pilgrims make an initial payment. When the Hajj Journey Cost (Bipih) is determined, they then make the full payment in one installment.
However, Minister Yaqut now proposes that the settlement scheme be changed so that pilgrims do not feel burdened. Pilgrims are given a deadline to settle the hajj costs that have been determined.
“Previously, they had to pay in full. Now, they are allowed to pay in installments to make it easier when settling the payment,” said Gus Yaqut.
This proposal will be discussed with the House of Representatives Commission VIII. An evaluation of the hajj finances will be conducted with House of Representatives Commission VIII on September 27, 2023.
“Then, God willing, in mid-October, discussions will begin for the implementation of hajj next year,” he added. (hab)
Penulis : Hadits Abdillah
Editor : Hadits Abdillah
