MUI asks Ministry of Hajj to focus on Hajj preparations rather than "fare ticket" discourse

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has asked the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to focus on preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage, which is just days away, and to open discussions on the “war ticket” only upon return from the Holy Land, as it is feared to disrupt preparations. “So perhaps this discourse can be opened after the Hajj implementation is completed. If now, I am worried that next week we are about to depart and are still busy responding to this discourse,” said MUI Deputy General Chairman Cholil Nafis in Jakarta on Thursday. Kiai Cholil assessed that the discourse on implementing a war ticket scheme for Hajj departures needs to be studied in depth and not rushed, considering there are still many things to consider, including regulations. In addition, Kiai Cholil highlighted the regulatory aspect, given that Hajj management in Indonesia involves various institutions, such as Kemenhaj and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). “If later it’s a war ticket, will there definitely be no more queues and will it affect those who have been queuing for a long time?” he said. According to him, although in principle there is a positive side to the idea, namely giving opportunities to those who are financially and physically capable (istithaah) to depart soon, the negative impacts cannot be ignored. He admitted to being worried that discussing the discourse now would divert attention from preparations for the pilgrims’ departure.