Jakarta – Director of the Postgraduate School at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saipudin Jahar, supports the steps taken by the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who proposed an increase in the cost of organizing the Hajj pilgrimage (BPIH) by IDR 69,193,733.60. According to Asep, the proposed increase in BPIH is very rational and right and avoid the Ponzi scheme trap.

"If you look at the benefit value or NM of Hajj pilgrims' funds, BPKH data for 2010-2022, it appears that the benefit value of Hajj funds does not reflect the real value," said Asep in Jakarta, Sunday (22/1/2023).

A Ponzi scheme is a type of fraudulent investment that uses initial investors' money to pay returns to new investors and so on.

Asep gave an example from 2010 to 2014, the benefit value was above 400%, where the benefit value in 2010 was IDR 4.45 million and the benefit value in 2014 was IDR 19.24 million.

"This is impossible. This is the concern that causes the tendency for Ponzi schemes to use the benefit value of Hajj funds. "There is no reason whatsoever that can justify a Ponzi scheme, because there is an element of injustice and it is dangerous in the long term," stressed Asep.

Asep emphasized that the increase in BPIH is important so that the costs for the Hajj are based on real needs and government subsidies, and avoid financial abuse. According to him, the case that befell prospective First Travel Umrah pilgrims was the result of a Ponzi scheme.

"According to him, the cheap prices offered by First Travel indicate that the company is practicing a Ponzi scheme in managing its congregation's money. "One-sided circulation of money that is not transparent is the same as investing money without the consent of the registrant," explained the coach of Lazisnu Tangsel.

Asep suggested that the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organizing, Ministry of Religion, must carry out various comprehensive supervision to avoid cases of embezzlement of Hajj pilgrims' funds. He reminded that the long waiting period for Hajj should not be exploited by certain individuals to gain profits from Hajj funds.

"For travel companies that are caught doing this, strict action must be taken," said this graduate of Leipzig University, Germany.

According to Asep, the relatively less rational Hajj funds have resulted in accumulation of potential pilgrims for decades.

"If this is not addressed, it will result in fund speculation on the one hand and irrational waiting periods. "The Ministry of Religion's steps to increase BPIH fees on the basis of rationalization need to be appreciated," concluded Asep.

Previously, the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas proposed the Hajj Travel Fee (BPIH) 1444 H/2023 AD amounting to IDR 98,893,909 per congregation. Of this amount, IDR 69,193,733 or 70 percent is borne by the congregation itself and IDR 29,700,175 or 30 percent of the benefit value.

"So the benefit fund or in layman's language, people often say that the subsidy has been reduced, down to 30 percent. "70 percent is the responsibility of the congregation," said Yaqut.

The components charged directly to the congregation are to pay flight costs from Embarkation to Saudi Arabia (PP) amounting to IDR 33,979,784.00, Makkah accommodation IDR 18,768,000.00, Medina accommodation IDR 5,601,840.00, living costs IDR 4,080. 000.00, visa IDR 1,224,000.00 and Masyair service package IDR 5,540,109.60.

This figure is different from the previous year where BPIH in 2022 was IDR 98,379,021.09 with a BPIH composition of IDR 39,886,009.00 (40.54%) and a benefit value (optimization) of IDR 58,493,012.09 (59, 46%).

Asep Saepudin Jahar, Director of the Postgraduate School at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta