REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hoped Hajj fund can be invested in beneficial investment to reduce the cost of Hajj. 

"In term of financial management, the money can be invested to provide benefits, so that the benefits can reduce the cost," Jokowi said after swearing-in  of members of Supervisory Board and Implementing Body of Hajj Administration Management Body (BPKH), in State Palace, Wednesday.

Jokowi asked BPKH to manage hajj pilgrimage better, so that it can provide greater benefits for the pilgrims.

Therefore, he added, the government will open investment opportunities for BPKH to invest Hajj funds to infrastructure sector. "It's better for the money to be invested in sector that is safe and has no high risk, but gives big advantages," he said.

The President said the Hajj Financial Management Agency will manage and supervise the pilgrim funds. As a country with the largest pilgrims, Jokowi hoped that the management of pilgrim funds can be conducted well.

He also wanted the agency to learn to other countries such as Malaysia in managing the Hajj funds. "Other countries, Malaysia for example, has managed Hajj savings. We can see how it is managed," he explained.

Member of Supervisory Council of BPKH Anggito Abimanyu said, BPKH has been preparing a medium-term plan and annual budget. It has also met with all stakeholders of Hajj pilgrimage.

"God willing, within six months there will be asset transfer from Ministry of Religious Affairs to BPKH, after being audited by BPK, possibly in November," said Anggito.

After that, BPKH will try to organize the pilgrimage in efficient and rational way, to increase the benefits of investment funds. Anggito added, based on audit results in 2016, the benefits of Hajj funds from the pilgrims reached Rp 95.2 trillion. 

Meanwhile, by the end of this year it is predicted to reach more than Rp 100 trillion.

"By the end of this year, it ia estimated to be reach more than Rp 100 trillion. The funds can be invested approximately Rp 80 trillion," he explained.

Nevertheless, he admitted BPKH has not determined the type of investment that will be used in the management of the Hajj funds. He said the investment will provide greater benefits with a small risk.

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