INDONESIA PREPARES FOR THE HAJJ

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001835 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, DRL, DRL/IRF NSC FOR D.WALTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KISL KIRF ID SA SUBJECT: INDONESIA PREPARES FOR THE HAJJ REF: A. JAKARTA 1579 ¶B. JAKARTA 1465 ¶1. SUMMARY: With the start of the Hajj pilgrimage quickly approaching, Indonesia--the world's largest Muslim country by population--is making massive preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Indonesia is the largest contributor to the Hajj, sending over 200,000 pilgrims. Amid the regular chorus of complaints re corruption in the process, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is coordinating Hajj planning for Indonesia. The Indonesian and Saudi governments are working together regarding concerns about H1N1. END SUMMARY. INDONESIA READIES FOR THE HAJJ ¶2. The annual Hajj season has begun and the first groups of Indonesian pilgrims are departing for Saudi Arabia. As the world's most populous Muslim country with over 200 million adherents of Islam, Indonesia will send over 200,000 pilgrims to participate in the annual Hajj, more than any other nation (except for host Saudi Arabia). Making the Hajj--which begins in two weeks--is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Indonesians and an obligation as the fifth pillar of Islam. Beginning from October 23, governors and other officials from across the country have been in the press saluting pilgrims in ceremonies at airports. To handle the increase in passengers, Garuda Airlines has leased several wide-bodied jets from French company Corsairfly. GOI COORDINATES EFFORT ¶3. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for coordinating the massive undertaking to prepare Indonesian pilgrims for the 2009 Hajj. The Indonesian government arranges all Hajj packages. These packages include transportation, accommodations, food, visa approvals, and health services for all pilgrims. ¶4. A recent survey by Indonesian anti-corruption groups alleges that the annual pilgrimage is mired in corruption. Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) recently cited reports of widespread corruption in the handling of the Hajj packages. ICW alleged that officials in the Ministry of Religious Affairs inflated the cost of the Hajj packages and pocketed the profit. Many Indonesians have returned in the past complaining of shoddy housing and poor food quality. Anti-corruption activists allege that GOI officials have a long history of soliciting bribes for things like marriage and divorce certificates, as well as other required Hajj documents. ¶5. Ministry officials say they are currently working closely with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to ensure that all Hajj fees are legal and transparent. The GOI intends to send members of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) and other government officials to Mecca in order to ensure all Hajj preparations are adequate. H1N1 CONCERNS ¶6. H1N1 is a concern this year. Indonesian and Saudi officials are requiring all prospective Indonesians Hajj pilgrims to receive vaccinations against H1N1 and meningitis in order to obtain a Hajj visa. Controversy arose previously over the meningitis vaccine with allegations that it contained a pork enzyme, which prompted the Indonesian Council Of Ulemas (MUI) to issue a controversial fatwah declaring the vaccine "haram" or forbidden. Despite the fatwah, GOI officials are reportedly administering the vaccinations without any problems. TRYING TO AVOID SLIP-UPS ¶7. As the Hajj approaches, the GOI--aware of the political backlash that could result from slip-ups--has been very pro-active in trying to ensure a pleasant experience for Indonesian pilgrims. It has also assured Indonesians that it is taking steps against corruption. That said, preparing for the Hajj is a truly large-scale effort and government capabilities are clearly stretched to the limit. HUME