`Give haj management to private sector'

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 11/23/2009 1:36 PM

Observers said the government should hand over pilgrimage management to the private sector after failing to provide good services to Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia over many years.

Public administration expert from University of Indonesia, Eko Prasojo, said Sunday the government could still play a supervisory role if haj management was handed over to the private sector to ensure standards.

Eko said the government could hand over transportation, accommodation, or food supplies, which might not have been adequately managed by government officials.

Noted Islamic scholar, Ahmad Syafii Maarif, said this could result in a good solution resulting in optimum services for pilgrims.

The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) member, Ahmad Ramadhan Siregar, said the government "should tender the business to ensure the best services were delivered to the pilgrims".

"It may take at least five years for the government to improve its administration system," he said.

The legislative team monitoring the haj in Saudi Arabia said Wednesday its observation showed that Indonesian pilgrims were subject to unnecessary hardships.

The team discovered that pilgrims suffered from bad accommodation, inefficient transport systems and overcrowded dormitories.

Team members cited only one bathroom for 25 pilgrims in each dormitory.

Eko said the government should assess the performance of Religious Affairs Ministry's officials.

"The government should modernize the bureaucracy at the Religious Affairs Ministry," he said.

As of Saturday, 89 Indonesian pilgrims had died ,mostly of cardiac arrest, respiratory and circulation failures. Those who died were between 40 and 59 years old. Meanwhile, 150 pilgrims are being treated at the Indonesian Pilgrims' Health Center.

Public policy and consumer protection observer Agus Pambagyo said many officials did not seem open to transparency and good governance.

"The government should acquire accurate data and information related to the haj in the past five years to identify any shortcomings in service delivery," he said.

Agus said this would help prevent corruption in the ministry.

However, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono said Saturday that the haj arrangements were already transparent.

Agung had ordered the Haj Management Committee (PPIH) to facilitate transportation, health and food services during the pilgrimage.

Agus further urged the government to strictly supervise agencies sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

"The government should issue strict regulations and set high standards required to be achieved by the private sector," he said. (nia)

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