DPR Member Appreciates Government's Assumption of Hajj Fare Increase: Does Not Burden Pilgrims

Deputy Chair of Commission V of the DPR from the Gerindra faction, Danang Wicaksana Sulistya, has appreciated the government’s step to cover the increase in flight costs for Hajj pilgrims this year. According to him, this policy demonstrates President Prabowo Subianto’s concern for prospective Hajj pilgrims.

This increase in flight costs occurs alongside the surge in avtur prices and fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate, which exert significant pressure on the Hajj flight financing structure.

“Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia have proposed an increase of up to Rp 974.8 billion, while Saudi Airlines reaches Rp 802.8 billion,” said Danang in his statement on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Danang explained that in aggregate, the Hajj flight costs have risen from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the government has taken strategic steps to ensure this increase is not passed on to the pilgrims.

“Alhamdulillah, the President has emphasised that this surge in costs must not be burdened on the Hajj pilgrims. This is a form of the state’s commitment to maintaining the affordability of the Hajj pilgrimage for the community,” he added.

Commission V of the DPR RI has also expressed its support for the policy. They hope that coordination between the government, airlines, and other stakeholders continues to be strengthened to ensure the Hajj pilgrimage runs smoothly and efficiently.

Previously, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, requested approval for the Hajj financing source of Rp 1.77 trillion. This was conveyed during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

“In aggregate, the total costs have surged from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion. Alhamdulillah, the President has emphasised that this cost surge should not be passed on to the pilgrims,” said Irfan.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office regarding the legality of the financing sources. Several alternative financing sources have been prepared to accommodate this, such as from the APBN.

“In order to accommodate the above conditions, we hope that at this working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR RI, approval and decision can be given regarding the amount and source of financing to meet the adjustment of these costs,” he stated.

“The figures are there, the total difference required is Rp 1.77 trillion,” he added.