Dahnil Meets Saudi Deputy Hajj Minister to Discuss Mitigating Hajj Flight Cost Increases

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj), Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, in Madinah on Sunday (29/3/2026) to anticipate increases in Hajj flight costs. This issue has become a joint concern for both countries, given the potential rise in fuel prices due to global conflicts triggering an energy crisis. Nevertheless, Dahnil assured that pilgrim safety remains the top priority. “Pilgrim safety is the top priority, especially regarding flight security and food logistics availability. The rise in fuel prices needs to be a shared concern, so both countries can anticipate it to keep flight services optimal,” he stated in an official release in Jakarta on Monday (30/3/2026). Dahnil explained that the Indonesian government continues to take mitigation steps to maintain service quality, both in terms of transportation and pilgrim consumption during their stay in the Holy Land. He conveyed that President Prabowo Subianto’s attention remains focused on Hajj pilgrim safety with two main aspects: flight security and food logistics readiness. Based on his inspection of several catering kitchens in Saudi Arabia, Dahnil stressed the importance of maintaining food availability. He encouraged food provider kitchens to have reserves of raw materials for up to three months, including ready-to-eat meals for various emergency conditions. “This step is expected to ensure the comfort and consumption needs of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims while performing their worship in the Holy Land,” he said. Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister Abdulfattah stated that overall Hajj preparations by the Saudi government have been conducted thoroughly.