Government Assures Hajj Cost Increase for 2026 Will Not Be Passed on to Pilgrims

Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Moch. Irfan Yusuf has assured that any potential adjustments to costs in organising the Hajj pilgrimage for 1447 H/2026 M will not be passed on to the pilgrims. “From the outset, President Prabowo Subianto has given firm instructions that whatever happens, if there are additional costs, they must not be borne by the Hajj pilgrims. The government ensures this commitment is implemented consistently,” Irfan stated in a written remark on Thursday (9/4). He explained that global dynamics are impacting operational aspects of Hajj organisation, including requests for flight price adjustments by airlines. On 30 March, Garuda Indonesia submitted a price change request, followed by Saudi Airlines on 31 March. However, the government assures that these changes will not affect the costs borne by pilgrims. “We assure that the price changes will not be passed on to the pilgrims. The state is present to protect the pilgrims,” he said. He also emphasised that in any circumstances, the aspects of security and safety of pilgrims remain the top priority in organising the Hajj pilgrimage. On the other hand, according to him, the improving global situation provides optimism for the smooth running of this year’s Hajj. “Alhamdulillah, tensions in the Middle East are starting to subside. This is an important factor in supporting the smooth Hajj pilgrimage,” he said. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak previously stated that the government, through the state budget, will cover around Rp1.77 trillion to offset the Hajj cost increases due to rising aviation fuel prices. “So, roughly, if totalled, it’s Rp1.77 trillion. So, if all the increases are totalled, the state budget must cover around Rp1.77 trillion. We will see the recalculation later,” Dahnil said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4). However, Dahnil said the detailed mechanism will be calculated more precisely in the future. He acknowledged that the rise in aviation fuel prices has led airlines to request cost increase positions for Hajj pilgrims.