NU National Conference Highlights Need for Transparent Hajj Financial Management

The Bahtsul Masail Qanuniyah Commission of the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Alim Ulama National Conference in Kediri, East Java, has scrutinised the management of Hajj finances, calling for greater transparency. Commission Coordinator KH Abdul Ghofur Maimoen stated the need to amend Law Number 34 of 2014, specifically Articles 10 and 16, as well as Government Regulation Number 5 of 2018, Article 21. “By adding a clause or provision for the transparent use of value-added benefits based on the principle of justice,” he said in Kediri on Monday. This is crucial for ensuring transparency in the distribution of Hajj fund value-added benefits, which currently suffers from regulatory and sharia ambiguity. He noted that existing legislation does not clearly and transparently regulate the percentage allocation of these benefits. The Qanuniyah Commission of the 2026 NU National Conference also recommended improving the wakalah contract form between Hajj pilgrims and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) by clearly and transparently stating the use of the Hajj fund’s value-added benefits. Gus Ghofur added that the lack of clarity in the wakalah contract clauses, particularly point two, creates uncertainty (gharar) that violates sharia principles and may affect the willingness (rida) of the pilgrims. He revealed that the commission’s discussions also resulted in a recommendation for the government and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) to gradually reduce the distribution of value-added benefits to departing pilgrims year by year. “So that in a certain year, all value-added benefits of the Hajj funds are distributed fairly to all Hajj pilgrims,” he stated. The PBNU is holding the 2026 Alim Ulama National Conference at the Al Falah Islamic Boarding School in Ploso Village, Mojo District, Kediri Regency, from 20-22 June 2026. The opening ceremony was held at the Al Falah Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, and the closing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bangkalan on 23 June 2026, with the President expected to attend.