On "war ticket" issue, Menhaj to halt discussion if deemed premature

The discourse on the “war ticket” has elicited varied pro and contra responses in society, particularly on social media.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has affirmed that the “war ticket” Hajj concept is still at the discourse stage and its discussion will be halted if deemed too premature.

“If it is considered too premature, we will close it for now until today, while we complete the Hajj that is right in front of us,” said the Minister of Hajj (Menhaj) during a Working Meeting with Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Gus Irfan emphasised that he was the first party to introduce the term.

“If asked who is responsible, I am the first person to throw out the term ‘war ticket’,” he said.

The “war ticket” discourse has elicited varied pro and contra responses in society, particularly on social media. Several parties believe that implementing the concept would complicate matters for those in villages or who are not yet digitally literate.

Additionally, netizens have questioned the fate of prospective Hajj participants who have been waiting for decades and the potential for Hajj fraud.

On the other hand, supporters argue that the “war ticket” could reduce Hajj queues, mainly for those who have reached old age so they can depart soon.

Nevertheless, this discourse is still in the initial study phase and has not yet been intensively discussed by the government.

Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Marwan Dasopang, affirmed that the “war ticket” discourse in Hajj pilgrimage organisation will not resolve fundamental issues, given that Indonesia’s Hajj system depends on quota agreements with the Saudi Arabian Government.

“Our Hajj process cannot be resolved by Indonesia alone. Because the Hajj location is in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia must agree,” said Marwan.