Canceled haj pilgrims will be reimbursed
Canceled haj pilgrims will be reimbursed
JAKARTA (JP): The government, consoling the thousands of frustrated prospective pilgrims who have had to cancel their journey to Mecca this year, promised yesterday to simplify procedures for reimbursement.
Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said in his radio message to officials under his ministry that the government will reimburse in full the fees already paid by prospective pilgrims on the waiting list.
In addition, "the prospective pilgrims on the waiting list will be given top priority for next year's haj season," Tarmizi promised.
Bank officials have been ordered not to deduct any cancellation fees from the Rp 7 million that each pilgrim has paid.
Tarmizi also said that those who choose to leave their money in the banks will be given top priority and not have to pay the difference in next year's haj fees.
The haj fees are usually increased every year.
Tarmizi said that based on an agreement between the central bank, Bank Indonesia, and the state-owned banks authorized to manage the fees, every prospective pilgrim wishing to have their money back would have to request it.
The letter will have to be certified by local officials in charge of coordinating haj affairs and accompanied by bank receipts stating that a full payment has been made.
Legislator A.M. Saefuddin of the Moslem-based United Development Party welcomed the government's promise but urged it to issue clear directives.
He reminded the government that their offer was not exactly a "gift" for Moslems who have had to suffer enough disappointment.
"There's no need for the government to say that the pilgrims who decide to deposit their money in the bank will not have to pay more next year," he said.
He pointed out that the interest earned by the banks, which rightfully belongs to the pilgrims, should be plenty to cover the increase in next year's fees.
"The government should make it clear that it's not giving anything to the pilgrims," he said. "The government should just give the people an honest explanation."
In addition, the government should not link the decision to give pilgrims top priority with their decision to take their money back, he said.
"Everybody who's on the waiting list should be given top priority to go next year," he said.
A total of 231,000 Moslems registered to go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this year. Out of the surprisingly high number, some 36,000 people have been put on the waiting list as Indonesia has only been allowed to send 195,000 people. (swe)