Haj fee decreases, pilgrims increase<\/p>\n
BOGOR (JP): The number of haj pilgrims from Bogor and
\nTangerang this year doubled that of last year's, thanks to a
\ndecrease in the haj pilgrimage fee and the improvement of the
\nresidents' wealth, officials said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Head of the Bogor office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs,
\nIdim Taufiqsaid, said the number of haj applicants reached 863
\nthis year, while in 1999 the figure was only 365.<\/p>\n
\"There has been a significant drop in the haj pilgrimage fee.
\nLast year, people paid Rp 20 million (US$2,700) to go on the
\npilgrimage, but now they only have to pay Rp 17 million
\n(US$2,300),\" he said.<\/p>\n
Idim said the first batch of 450 people -- out of the total of
\n863 pilgrims -- would depart next Tuesday.<\/p>\n
He said the last batch would go on March 6.<\/p>\n
\"The last departure is for the elderly, of which there are 34
\npeople making the pilgrimage,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Separately, in Tangerang, head of the Tangerang Religious
\nAffairs Office Babun Abdullah said the economic improvement of
\nTangerang residents had led to over a 100 percent increase in the
\nnumber of pilgrims.<\/p>\n
\"Some 587 people joined the pilgrimage last year, compared to
\n1666 this year,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Babun said those embarking on the pilgrimage should ensure
\nthey were fit as Mecca's weather was very hot. (21\/41\/asa)<\/p>",
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