Punishment sought for travel agencies

Punishment sought for travel agencies

JAKARTA: Three legislators here urged religious affairs minister Said Agil Hussein Al Munawar on Wednesday to revoke the permits of travel agencies that had mismanaged pilgrimages during the recent haj season.

"We want the government to revoke the permits of travel agencies that have mistreated their clients," said Syahrul Azmir Matondang of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangn).

Speaking at a hearing between the minister and House of Representatives Commission VI, Syahrul said the travel agencies had not only mistreated the pilgrims but also damaged the country's image.

Two other legislators who also called on the government to take strong action against the incompetent travel agencies were AM Syaefuddin and Baihaqi AK, both of the United Development Party (PPP) faction.

During the recent haj season, some 266 Indonesian pilgrims who had their travel to the holy city of Mecca arranged by different travel agencies, were stranded in Saudi Arabia because they were not in possession of return tickets to make the flight back to Indonesia.

They had gone to Mecca on a trip arranged by Tajak Ekspress and PT Valdatama travel agencies. --Antara