Your comments on the much higher accommodation and transportation fees charged to Indonesian Haj pilgrims compared to those from other countries.
The government has to set the standard of travel agencies which are able to meet the requirements to organize the pilgrims' trips. Every agency must pass a proper selection test.
Heni Haryani
Jakarta
The Indonesian government must be serious in improving services for haj pilgrims and set up an effective institution to organize the annual event.
Ian
Yogyakarta
The government is responsible for the organization of the haj pilgrimage. The fees are high because of the following expenses: the return airline tickets, accommodation, logistics, health services, life insurance, guides and the short preparatory courses.
Danang Wiratnoko
Tangerang, Banten
In an effort to get more efficient and effective in arranging the Indonesian haj pilgrimage, it is better if the government reviews its system, organization and management overall.
By doing this, the government will know what weak points need to be improved.
Based on this survey, the government needs to create a new organization to improve its management and operational systems.
In addition, the government should improve its services, from the haj pilgrims' departure until they finish the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, for such things as air and land transportation, accommodation, clean waters, health services, etc.
Last but not least, all the haj pilgrims' funds must be audited annually by the BPK and then announced to the public through print and electronic media.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
The haj pilgrimage is not a holiday trip for fun and relaxation. More than a million pilgrims assembled in a limited area at the same time makes it impossible for people to feel comfortable.
Complaints like the long distances to walk and food not being to individual tastes seem outrageous.
To find out whether there are better and cheaper alternatives, let the more than 200,000 Indonesian pilgrims arrange their own trips through private travel agents of their own choice.
As one who has been on the haj pilgrimage twice, I am sure it would cost more and the result would be chaotic. Who would even try?
Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta
Regarding the high cost of the pilgrimage, it is the responsibility of both the Indonesian and Saudi Arabian governments.
As for the lower quality of service, that happens in almost all public services in our country.
Yogi Suwasono
Jakarta
