SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian Hajj Brotherhood Association (IPHI) has put forward a proposal to establish a Permanent Hajj Committee aimed at improving coordination between ministries and institutions involved in hajj-related policies. 

This initiative seeks to create a more efficient and transparent system for managing hajj operations and financial resources.

“The committee is also expected to optimize the utilization of hajj funds’ benefits, ensuring that policy decisions are more integrated and data-driven,” said IPHI Advisory Board member Iskandar Zulkarnain, as quoted on Antara, in Jakarta on Friday.

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - He emphasized that improved coordination would enhance the effectiveness of financial planning, investment management, and overall cost efficiency in the hajj pilgrimage process.

In addition to the committee proposal, IPHI also underscored the urgency of revising Law No. 34 of 2014 on Hajj Financial Management. The revision, they argue, is necessary to strengthen the regulatory framework governing hajj funds, ensuring their security, sustainability, and equitable distribution among pilgrims. 

A key aspect of this revision is to clearly define the roles of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) and the newly formed Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH) to prevent administrative overlaps and inefficiencies.

“The alignment between BPKH and BPH must be implemented immediately to prevent miscoordination and improve efficiency in both hajj fund management and pilgrimage operations,” he stated as quoted on Antara.

Meanwhile, IPHI has firmly opposed any plans to dissolve BPKH, advocating instead for amendments to the existing legal framework to strengthen its independence. 

During a recent hearing with Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), IPHI representatives reiterated that BPKH was established through the collective efforts of the Muslim community and should remain independent from direct government control.

“Hajj funds belong to the people, not the state. There should be no attempt to bring them back under government control. Management must remain in the hands of an independent, transparent, and professional institution,” said Anshori as quoted on Antara.

He emphasized that IPHI was one of the initiators and founders of BPKH and would stand at the forefront to defend its existence.

He also reminded that before BPKH was established, hajj funds were managed with many vulnerabilities to misuse. Therefore, he argued that dissolving BPKH would not be a solution but rather a significant step backward, risking the trust of pilgrims.

As discussions on hajj fund governance continue, IPHI remains committed to advocating for reforms that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and the best interests of Indonesian pilgrims. 

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas