Jakarta. Ade Marfudin, a Hajj expert from the State Islamic University (UIN), suggests that creating a separate Hajj Ministry could save government funds, as it currently shoulders the costs for Hajj pilgrims and officers.

"By reducing the State Budget (APBN) expenditure on Hajj through the elimination of subsidies, managed by an independent body, it could lead to cost efficiency for departing pilgrims," Ade said during a virtual interview with Beritasatu.com on Monday.

In a meeting with the Religious Affairs Ministry on June 4, Ashabul Kahfi, the Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, proposed creating a separate Hajj Ministry separate. According to Kahfi, this would enhance efficiency and focus in Hajj management, which is currently under the Ministry.

Since 2022, the Indonesian government has subsidized Hajj costs with financial benefits from Hajj funds, amounting to Rp 41 million ($2,500) per pilgrim. This year, more than 200,000 Indonesians will go on their sacred journey.

Furthermore, Indonesian Hajj officers are fully funded by the APBN. This implies that operational Hajj costs burden the state budget annually.

"The State Budget would decrease, affecting the allocation for religious affairs, particularly Hajj. However, it would still cover the training and preparation of Hajj officers, ensuring their professionalism before departure," added Ade.

Ade highlighted the dualism in Hajj management in Indonesia, between the Ministry and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), leading to disorganized Hajj management. The lack of coordination between these bodies is why Ade supports a separate Hajj Ministry.

"BPKH and the Ministry should cooperate harmoniously, with one handling finances and the other organizing Hajj," emphasized Ade.

Ade said that BPKH often lacks transparency from the legislature and the ministry regarding budget discussions. This lack of transparency affects the efficiency of Hajj fund management.

"In my opinion, there's a lack of coordination. For instance, when Hajj costs are set annually by the government and proposed by the Ministry, there should be discussions between BPKH and the Ministry for better alignment," explained Ade.

Ade believes a separate Hajj Ministry could improve fund management and services for pilgrims, ensuring a more transparent and efficient use of the budget.

"The continuous cycle of Hajj and Umrah with significant fund deposits, around Rp 173 trillion, and a waiting list of approximately 5.3 million people, is a major concern for the government. Separating Hajj regulations into a dedicated ministry or agency could enhance Hajj management," concluded Ade.

Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, will send 554 batches of Hajj pilgrims this year. Indonesia has been allocated a total of 241,000 Hajj slots, with 213,320 designated for regular Hajj pilgrims, a program managed directly by the government. The remaining 27,680 slots are reserved for special Hajj pilgrims, who will make their pilgrimage to Mecca using private travel agency services.