Avtur Prices Surge, President Prabowo Requests Hajj Cost Increases Not to Burden Pilgrims
The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options. President Prabowo Subianto has issued instructions that if there is any increase in the costs of organising the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, it should not be borne by the pilgrims. This emphasis comes in response to the global surge in avtur prices, which is placing significant pressure on flight cost components.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, conveyed the President’s directive during a Working Meeting (Raker) with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4).
“President Prabowo hopes that whatever happens with the increases, if there is an increase, he requests that it not be burdened on our Hajj pilgrims,” said Irfan.
Menhaj explained that this year’s Hajj organisation faces highly complex global factors. In the initial determination of the BPIH for 2026, the average flight cost was set at Rp33.5 million per person. However, global market dynamics have drastically altered the situation.
The rise in avtur prices, increased war risk insurance premiums, and the weakening rupiah exchange rate are the main factors behind the cost surge. Additionally, escalating geopolitical conditions are forcing airlines to consider rerouting or diverting flight paths.
“Geopolitical conditions could potentially force rerouting of flights to avoid conflict airspace,” explained Menhaj. This route diversion is estimated to add about four hours to travel time and increase avtur consumption by up to 11,000 tonnes.
Due to this pressure, airlines are beginning to request price adjustments. Garuda Indonesia has proposed an additional Rp7.9 million per person, while Saudi Airlines has requested an increase of 480 US dollars per person.
Based on the latest calculations, there are two flight cost scenarios:
Although the airline contracts include a force majeure clause that allows price adjustments through deliberation, Menhaj emphasised that to date, there has been no official statement regarding its status from the relevant authorities.
Despite facing heavy global cost pressures, Menhaj Irfan affirmed that President Prabowo Subianto’s directive is the government’s primary guide in formulating policy.
“That is a commitment from President Prabowo that has been requested of us with the team to follow up and calculate exactly what needs are required,” said Irfan.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that Indonesia has received an official quota of 221,000 Hajj pilgrims for 2026. This consists of 203,320 regular Hajj quotas and 17,680 special Hajj quotas.
The first batch of prospective Hajj pilgrims will enter the Hajj dormitory on 21 April 2026 and depart for the Holy Land on 22 April.
“So, Insha Allah, the President has offered a solution, has provided a solution to ensure that the burden on Hajj pilgrims is not increased. Even though there is an avtur price increase,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak.