Deputy Minister of Hajj: President to Cover Aviation Fuel Price Hike to Avoid Burdening Hajj Pilgrims

Medan (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that President Prabowo Subianto will cover the price of aviation fuel to prevent it from burdening prospective Hajj pilgrims. “There is indeed a very significant increase in avtur, but the President’s directive is that he does not want any heavy burden on the Hajj pilgrims,” Dahnil explained after closing the Grand Hajj Simulation 1447 H/2026 M of Bank Sumut at the Medan Hajj Dormitory, North Sumatra, on Tuesday. His ministry, along with aviation authorities, is seeking solutions to minimise the potential additional costs for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Dahnil continued that the rise in aviation fuel prices has surged significantly amid global dynamics in the Middle East region. As a result, the national carrier Garuda Indonesia, which transports Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land, must bear these very high additional costs. “Several days ago, Saudi airlines also sent us a letter stating the additional burden they must cover, averaging nearly 4,000 US dollars per pilgrim,” said Dahnil. Data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah indicates that Indonesia has been allocated an official quota of 221,000 Hajj pilgrims for 2026, consisting of 203,320 regular pilgrims and 17,680 special pilgrims. Additionally, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has scheduled that the first group of flying 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 and provided one to ensure that the burden on Hajj pilgrims is not increased, even though there is a rise in avtur,” Dahnil stated.