DPR Member Highlights Proposed 2027 Hajj Cost Increase, Calls for Component Evaluation

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Selly Andriany Gantina, has responded to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s proposal to raise the Hajj Pilgrimage Organisation Cost (BPIH) for the 1448 Hijriah/2027 Hajj season to Rp 107 million. Selly urged the government to first ensure efficiency and financial mitigation for the Hajj before increasing the financing burden on pilgrims.

The proposed figure of Rp 107 million represents an increase of approximately Rp 19.93 million compared to the previous year. According to her, the increase must be supported by transparent and accountable calculations.

“Naudzubillah min dzalik if that happens. Our country is not in a good state at the moment. During the last payment period, the Aceh disaster occurred just days beforehand. If something like that happens again, how can the government mitigate it?” Selly Gantina told reporters on Friday (21/8/2026).

Selly acknowledged that Hajj organisation faces global cost dynamics and changes in service standards in Saudi Arabia. However, she insisted that rising fuel prices and changes in service standards should not automatically become reasons to raise Hajj costs without a thorough audit and evaluation.

“We must ensure that every rupiah spent truly provides direct benefits for pilgrims,” she said.

She called on the government to evaluate the accommodation components in Makkah and Madinah, consumption, and transportation. According to her, the government also needs to ensure there is no mark-up.

“If there are indeed special provisions from Saudi Arabia, then of course there are cost consequences. But the question is, are all other components already efficient? We must not accept a price increase in one component while there is still room for savings in other components,” she said.

Selly also highlighted the use of benefit funds in Hajj financing. The proposed 2027 BPIH of around Rp 107.34 million per pilgrim is planned to use a scheme of 60 percent benefit funds and 40 percent Bipih, meaning that under this scheme, the direct payment by pilgrims is proposed at around Rp 42.94 million.

According to her, the use of benefit funds must still be calculated carefully. This is because these funds are part of the rights of prospective Hajj pilgrims who are still waiting to depart.

“Do not simply say that the pilgrims’ Bipih has not increased significantly because part of it is covered by benefit funds. We must also look at the sustainability of the Hajj fund. Benefit funds are not free money. They are funds that must be managed safely, optimally, and equitably for the benefit of pilgrims departing today as well as those still in the queue,” she said.

Previously, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah proposed that the Hajj Pilgrimage Organisation Cost for the 1448 Hijriah/2027 Hajj season be raised to Rp 107 million. However, the Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih), or the cost paid directly by each pilgrim, is set at Rp 42 million.

This was proposed by Minister of Hajj Mochamad Irfan Yusuf during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR RI on Wednesday (19/8). Irfan stated that the cost paid by pilgrims amounts to 40 percent of the total BPIH.

“For the year 1448 Hijriah or 2027 AD, the government proposes an average BPIH per pilgrim of Rp 107,304,172.02. With a Bipih composition of Rp 42,936,068.81, or 40 percent,” Irfan said during the meeting.