MP Criticises Hajj "War Ticket" Proposal

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, has reminded that Hajj embarkation policies must always prioritise justice for pilgrims. “Policies must favour justice for pilgrims, not just a race of speed,” Maman stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, responding to the concept of Hajj war tickets or the direct purchase/competition for Hajj tickets system. According to Maman, the Hajj war ticket concept needs to be studied in depth. He assessed that the technology access speed-based competition scheme has the potential to harm prospective Hajj pilgrims who are already scheduled to depart in the near future. “This must be a serious concern. Do not let the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a right for all the ummah, turn into a competition that only benefits certain groups,” Maman said. Maman also reminded that the Hajj pilgrimage is a constitutional right of citizens that must be guaranteed with the principle of equity. He encouraged the government to focus more on substantive steps, such as strengthening quota diplomacy with the Saudi Arabian Government and improving Hajj management governance. “(War Ticket) That’s not this year’s policy, so don’t get it wrong. That’s not this year’s policy, it’s our concept,” said Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dahnil. The Deputy Minister stated that the term war ticket emerged as a formulation for Hajj transformation so that the government can shorten the Hajj waiting period, which currently averages 26.4 years. However, the government is still seeking a formulation so that this policy can be implemented without sacrificing prospective Hajj pilgrims who have registered previously.