The Association of Indonesia Hajj and Umrah Organizers (Amphuri) said it respected the government’s decision announced by the Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas regarding the cancellation of this year’s hajj, as announced by the Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
Amphuri hoped the government’s decision could be understood by all Indonesian Muslim communities, including the organizers of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages.
“Amphuri respects the government’s decision announced by Gus Yaqut to cancel the pilgrimage this year as the government must ensure the safety of pilgrims amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Amphuri chairman Firman M Nur in a written statement on Friday, June 4.
Would-be pilgrims who have paid full deposits of the hajj travel cost this year will be registered for next year, Firman explained. The fund will be stored and managed separately by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).
“As stated by the government, the profit value of the deposits will also be given by BPKH to special pilgrims. The decision to cancel this year’s hajj is indeed bitter but the best for all of us,” Firman said.
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in Thursday’s press conference in Jakarta announced that the government decided to cancel this year’s hajj again amid concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic and for the safety of Indonesian pilgrims. The decision was noted in the ministry’s Decree No. 660 of 2021.
Tempo.co
