Kupastuntas.co, Bandar Lampung - The Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion of Lampung Province noted that there were around 3,000 Prospective Pilgrims who had made payments in 2020 and would be priority departures for the 2023 Hajj season.

The Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion of Lampung Province, Puji Raharjo explained, the 3,000 Prospective Hajj Pilgrims who had already made the payment were prospective pilgrims who had failed to go to the holy land due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"For those who have paid off in 2020, there are around 3,000 congregations. They have already paid off 38 million rupiah, and there are no more additions. Meanwhile, there are 1,000 pilgrims who have paid off around 9.4 million rupiah," said Puji when questioned, Tuesday (21/2/2023).

Meanwhile, the Head of Hajj and Umrah Management of the Ministry of Religion of Lampung, Ansori F Citra, said that until now there had been no prospective Hajj Pilgrims from Lampung who had resigned after an increase in the cost of the pilgrimage.

"Thank God, so far there have been no prospective pilgrims from Lampung who have resigned after the decision to increase costs. Hopefully in the future there won't be any so everyone can go to the holy land," said Ansori.

According to him, if later someone resigns or does not make a payment, his position will automatically be replaced by a reserve congregation based on the portion number.

Ansori said, the estimated quota for the Hajj pilgrimage in Lampung in 2023 is 7,140 pilgrims. It consists of 3,327 paid-off pilgrims, 3,305 people based on portion order, 353 elderly pilgrims, 54 regional Hajj officers, 11 Hajj & Umrah Guidance Group supervisors and 90 crew members.

"For when is the deadline for repayment itself, we are still waiting for the Decree of the Minister of Religion while we carry out socialization related to this increase. We also ask prospective pilgrims to start making preparations," he explained. (*)