Haj fee to rise, minister says

Haj fee to rise, minister says

SURABAYA: In contrast to a previous agreement between the House of Representatives and his aide to cap the haj fee, Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Husein Al-Munawar said the government would increase the charge for the next haj season.

Said Agiel estimated the increase to reach US$100. But due to the declining exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the rupiah, the increase would not affect the price as pilgrims would pay in rupiah.

Last season, Indonesians joining the haj paid $2,577 to $2,777, depending on their place of residence.

The minister said the increase was part of the government's efforts to improve services to pilgrims.

"The new haj fee is currently being discussed by a small team from House Commission VI and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, but there will be a small increase as a result of improvements in pilgrims' services," he said on Saturday after officially opening the new religious affairs office in Surabaya. -- Antara