Jakarta. The Chairman of the Hajj Oversight Team of the House of Representatives (DPR) Muhaimin Iskandar revealed several reports highlighting various issues in the 2024 Hajj operations. One major problem, according to Muhaimin, is the widespread malfunctioning of air conditioners.

"There have been numerous reports, the first being that the air conditioners are not working in many places," said Muhaimin on Tuesday.

In addition to the AC issue, he said that the tents for Indonesian pilgrims are overcapacity. The tents provided cannot accommodate the number of pilgrims and are not equipped with adequate mattresses.

Another issue, he said, is the improper placement of tents for pilgrims, which do not match the designated area (maktab). Problems are also observed during the stoning of Jamrah Aqabah ritual (the stoning of Satan's pillars) in Mina.

"There have been delays in bus transportation that carries pilgrims from their lodging to Arafah. Pilgrims who were scheduled to be transported in the morning experienced delays until the afternoon and evening. This certainly disrupts the comfort and smoothness of the pilgrims' worship," he said.

The DPR Hajj Oversight Team plans to form a special committee to evaluate these findings and find the best solutions to improve the quality of Hajj services in the future.

Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of the Hajj Oversight Team, emphasized that the Hajj Special Committee is urgent because every year, the same problems keep recurring. 

"We encountered many obstacles during the Hajj rituals in Armuzna. Therefore, the Hajj Special Committee must be formed immediately after we return to Indonesia," said Selly on Tuesday.

According to Selly, the Hajj Special Committee will not only evaluate the Hajj operations conducted by the Religious Affairs Ministry but also by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). The BPKH holds significant responsibility for managing pilgrims' funds.

"Relevant parties such as the BPKH must be evaluated because they are responsible for managing the pilgrims' funds. Transparency is essential so that pilgrims are aware of the status of their funds," Selly explained.

During monitoring in Mina, the DPR Hajj Oversight Team identified several serious issues in the service provided to Indonesian pilgrims. Selly pointed out that many tents were overcrowded, air conditioners were not functioning, the food provided did not meet the standards, and there was a lack of bathroom facilities.

"This inadequate service is very detrimental to the pilgrims," Selly said.

Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, sent more than 240,000 Hajj pilgrims this year. 

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