Orang Batak Naik Haji
by Baharuddin Aritonang

Cover and details penerbit-kpg

Started reading 20 Feb 2007
Finished reading 25 Feb 2007

The title itself is intriguing as most Bataks are non-Muslims. The author, a Batak, is a member of the Indonesian People's Legislative Assembly. His position would entitle him to all the privileges that goes with the job. But he chose to use the ordinary pilgrimage package and finds that it is not as bad as others say. He did get some help from those assisting the pilgrims as he is a known figure. In that sense, he straddled between the two groups. The haves and the have-nots. His observations on the shortcomings of the Indonesian pilgrimage agency and ways to improve their services are applicable to others too. In the end, each individual's determination to complete the whole ritual determines the success or failure of his pilgrimage. One's health is of paramount importance as well as keeping an open mind whenever something unexpected happens along the way.