Haj fee decreases, pilgrims increase

BOGOR (JP): The number of haj pilgrims from Bogor and Tangerang this year doubled that of last year's, thanks to a decrease in the haj pilgrimage fee and the improvement of the residents' wealth, officials said on Tuesday.

Head of the Bogor office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Idim Taufiqsaid, said the number of haj applicants reached 863 this year, while in 1999 the figure was only 365.

"There has been a significant drop in the haj pilgrimage fee. Last year, people paid Rp 20 million (US$2,700) to go on the pilgrimage, but now they only have to pay Rp 17 million (US$2,300)," he said.

Idim said the first batch of 450 people -- out of the total of 863 pilgrims -- would depart next Tuesday.

He said the last batch would go on March 6.

"The last departure is for the elderly, of which there are 34 people making the pilgrimage," he said.

Separately, in Tangerang, head of the Tangerang Religious Affairs Office Babun Abdullah said the economic improvement of Tangerang residents had led to over a 100 percent increase in the number of pilgrims.

"Some 587 people joined the pilgrimage last year, compared to 1666 this year," he said.

Babun said those embarking on the pilgrimage should ensure they were fit as Mecca's weather was very hot. (21/41/asa)