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More premium haj seats sought
The Religious Affairs Ministry is considering a policy which would rebalance provision of haj travel services in favor of more participation for private travel agents and a lighter burden on the government in managing pilgrimages
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he Religious Affairs Ministry is considering a policy which would rebalance provision of haj travel services in favor of more participation for private travel agents and a lighter burden on the government in managing pilgrimages.
Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni said Tuesday, however, the increase in the quota of premium haj seats -- which are handled privately -- would depend on whether travel agents could improve their services.
"We will raise the quota for ONH Plus seats to whatever proportion travel agents may demand, as long as they can provide better services," Maftuh said after a cabinet meeting at the State Palace.
Outside the haj premium service, known as ONH Plus, haj management services are monopolized by the ministry.
Out of a total 210,000 seats, last year the government set the quota for ONH Plus seats at 16,301 seats, divided among some 60 travel agents.
The ministry recently revoked the license of three travel agents -- Mak Tour, Dian Saltra and Al Amin -- for neglecting pilgrims and failure to follow immigration rules.
Agents were accused of failing to ensure all travelers carried the special passport required of pilgrims and falsifying documents.
Dian Saltra has filed a lawsuit against the ministry at the Administrative Court (PTUN) over the revocation of its permit, which it said was unwarranted and procedurally flawed.
However, if the three travel agents proved their commitment to enhancing service, the ministry would let them participate in the haj next season, said Maftuh.
During last year's haj hundreds of Indonesian pilgrims went hungry due to poor catering services.
Early this year 1,912 pilgrims were stranded in Saudi Arabia after local authorities confiscated their passports.
Despite the hiccups, Maftuh maintained that last year's pilgrimage was well managed.
As part of efforts to improve regular haj services, the government has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabian businesspeople to establish new lodging capable of accommodating some 50,000 pilgrims.
In addition, the Business Competition Supervisory Commission has recommended the government relinquish its monopoly over haj management, instead taking a regulatory role and allowing the private sector to handle the business.
The pilgrimage services involve at least Rp 6 trillion annually.
