Controversy over Hajj Flight Subsidy Funds: Can a Perppu Be the Way Out?

The organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has encountered a new chapter following the rise in Hajj flight costs due to the increase in aviation fuel (avtur) prices, an implication of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

So far, the government and the People’s Representative Council (DPR) RI are still seeking sources of funds to subsidise Hajj flight costs.

The formation of a Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) has emerged in the meeting between Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf and DPR RI Commission VIII this week.

The Perppu is issued to accommodate the source of Hajj subsidy funds from the State Budget (APBN).

So, can the Perppu be the way out?

DPR RI Commission VIII member Dini Rahmania assesses that the Perppu can serve as an instrument to ensure that the handling of the increase in Hajj flight costs is carried out quickly and accountably.

Thus, the government has a strong legal basis to accommodate and subsidise the increase in Hajj flights, without burdening the pilgrims.

Moreover, President Prabowo Subianto has requested that this price increase not be passed on to the pilgrims.

Likewise, it does not use the finances of the pilgrims managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).

“Therefore, we encourage the government to consider issuing a Perppu as a quick and measured step to overcome the current fiscal space limitations and regulatory obstacles,” stated Dini to Kompas.com on Wednesday.

Dini hopes that the government will soon make the right decision so that the Hajj organisation runs smoothly and provides certainty for all pilgrims.

The increase in Hajj flight costs, continued Dini, is an impact beyond the control of all parties, so it needs to be addressed as a force majeure condition.

“Pilgrims in principle have already paid the costs set previously. Therefore, the state needs to be present to provide certainty and protection so that there is no uncertainty in the Hajj organisation,” said Dini.