The KBIH offers haj assistance services to would-be pilgrims, providing them with training, information before departure and guidance while on haj. Currently, the KBIH offers services and charges pilgrims outside the fees set by the Religious Affairs Ministry.

House Commission VIII member from the Gerindra Party Sodik Mudjahid supports the KBIH but said the ministry had refused to list the KBIH in the haj bill because they intended to recognize and regulate the activities of the KBIH through a ministerial decree.

“Public input to the commission indicates that the KBIH is very helpful in assisting pilgrims during preparation and while on haj. The ministry’s reluctance to include the KBIH raises questions as to whether there is some sort of rivalry between the two,” Sodik said.

(Read also: Indonesian haj victims feel abandoned by Saudi)

Qasim Shaleh, the head of the KBIH communications forum, underlined the importance of the KBIH.

“KBIH data shows that 60 to 80 percent of all pilgrims use the services provided by KBIH’s guides, whose trips to Mecca are not funded by the government,” he added.

Qasim suggested that the government also reinstate the service quota previously allocated for KBIH guides by the ministry. Currently, there is no regulation on quotas for guides from the KBIH.

“We understand the government’s concern about the number of guides going to Saudi Arabia,” Qasim said. (rdi/wit)

Popular

Govt, House commission agree on key macroeconomic assumptions

Eruptions at Mt. Lewotobi Laki-laki cause air travel disruption

Indonesia, US to sign MoU on $1.25b wheat purchases