REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Lawmaker suggests hajj as Indonesian soft diplomacy. A member of Commission VIII at House of Representatives, Hidayat Nur Wahid, stated that the world saw Indonesian hajj pilgrims positively.

"Hajj pilgrims have become positive icon of Indonesia. Our pilgrims are known for their discipline and good manner," Wahid said in press release on Wednesday, January 28. He has suggested his idea to Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Hajj diplomacy can change the infamous Indonesian worker diplomacy. Visa for umrah and hajj is also higher in number than visa for Indonesian workers.

Wahid also suggested the Ministry of Transportation to consider using other airlines. Indonesia currently uses only state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia to carry hajj pilgrims. Using other airlines can also decrease the cost of hajj.

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