BPKH Prepares 152 Million Riyals for Hajj Pilgrims' Pocket Money

The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) has prepared funds amounting to 152.49 million Saudi Riyals (SAR) in cash for the living cost needs of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims during the 1447 H/2026 CE Hajj season. These funds will be distributed to 203,320 regular Hajj pilgrims through Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI).

BPKH Executive Board Member Amri Yusuf stated that the provision of foreign currency is carried out in accordance with Law No. 34 of 2014 on Hajj Financial Management. “Each pilgrim will receive pocket money (living cost) of SAR 750. This amount is given in denominations of one SAR 500 note, two SAR 100 notes, and one SAR 50 note,” Amri said in a written statement received by Tempo on Saturday, 18 April 2026.

Amri explained that the money is prepared to support daily needs while in the Holy Land, including additional consumption, emergency funds, and payment of dam or Hajj fines. He emphasised that the mechanism used still refers to Sharia principles, one of which is the application of the sharf contract or cash currency exchange transaction.

In this scheme, the principal value of the currency exchange is separated from the distribution costs. The principal value is handed over directly, while the distribution costs are only paid after all service provider obligations are fulfilled. “This is to ensure transparency and accountability in Hajj fund management,” he said.

In addition to preparing pocket money, BPKH is also continuously striving for efficiency in Hajj pilgrimage costs. In 2026, the total Hajj Pilgrimage Implementation Cost (BPIH) is recorded at around Rp 87 million per pilgrim.

However, pilgrims are only charged the Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih) of around Rp 54 million. The difference of around Rp 33.2 million is covered by the benefits from Hajj fund management by BPKH. “Investment strategies and optimal fund management are key to maintaining the affordability of Hajj costs amid global economic pressures,” he stated.

He also assured that potential cost increases due to global dynamics will not be directly passed on to pilgrims. The government, in line with the president’s directive, opens the possibility of using the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) to cover additional costs.

With the distribution of funds in the form of banknotes, BPKH ensures the financial readiness of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. This policy is part of the state’s efforts to provide convenience and protection for pilgrims while performing worship in the Holy Land.