The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry

The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry of Religious Affairs is a disgrace to religious values that are supposed to be upheld by this institution and also a betrayal of Muslims' trust.

The management of the haj pilgrimage involves over Rp 5.7 trillion (approximately US$600 million) a year, with Indonesian haj pilgrims totaling 205,000. The government's double role of organizing and controlling haj journeys has increased the opportunities for corruption in the ministry.

This fund belongs to the non-budgetary category and is managed by a body under the religious affairs minister. An investigation has unveiled that some of the money went into the pockets of officials and a certain political party in pursuit of power.

It may be due to the haj fund embezzlement that the haj pilgrimage costs have continued to rise every year without significant improvement in services. What can become of a nation, when even its religious ministry fails to perform properly?

REZA P. Bandung