Government and DPR Yet to Determine Funding Source for Hajj Cost Subsidy Increase

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) have not yet determined in detail the funding source to cover the increase in operational costs for the 2026 Hajj. However, both parties have assured that the additional costs will not be borne by the pilgrims nor taken from funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). “Earlier, Commission VIII handed it over to us to coordinate on the legal cushion for that, as we discussed, and Commission VIII has entrusted us to coordinate with the necessary parties for it,” said Irfan when met at the DPR RI Building on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Nevertheless, Irfan has not detailed whether the funds will come from the State Budget (APBN) or other sources within the scope of state finances. “In that meeting, it was concluded and decided that the government will cover those additional costs,” he said. “State finances can be used, it can be from the APBN or others. But in general, we are ready for the state finances,” he added. “Not yet. But clearly, we will not burden the pilgrims with it,” he stated. In addition, the government is still negotiating with airlines such as Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines regarding the actual amount of costs that must be paid. “We are also still negotiating with Garuda and Saudia aircraft about the actual figures that we need to adjust,” explained Irfan. “Today, the government or the Minister of Hajj has given the answer that the government first will not burden the additional costs on Hajj pilgrims. But we are also continuously requesting commitment that this addition will not be burdened on the Hajj finances managed by BPKH,” said Marwan. According to him, the tentatively agreed funding source is from state finances, although its origin has not been detailed.