Government Efforts to Cover Surge in Hajj Flight Costs

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government and the Indonesian House of Representatives are racing to find funding sources to cover the surge in Hajj flight costs for 1447 Hijriah/2026 AD, amounting to Rp 1.77 trillion.

This step is being taken to ensure that the cost increase is not borne by the pilgrims.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI M Irfan Yusuf stated that the surge was triggered by rising avtur prices and exchange rate fluctuations, which are pressuring the Hajj flight financing structure.

“Aggregately, the total cost has jumped from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion,” said Irfan during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Despite the significant surge, Irfan emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has given firm instructions that the additional costs should not be borne by the pilgrims.

“Alhamdulillah, the President has emphasised that this cost surge should not be passed on to the pilgrims,” he explained.

Irfan mentioned that the government is currently examining several financing alternatives to cover the cost differential. However, the chosen option must still comply with applicable legal provisions.

Based on Law No. 14 of 2025, said Irfan, the Hajj flight cost component is fundamentally sourced from the Hajj Worship Management Fee (BPIH).

Meanwhile, flight costs for kloter personnel come from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).

“Regarding the flight cost increase proposed by the airlines, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is currently coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office and related parties to ensure the force majeure status and the legality of the funding source,” said Irfan.

“Indeed, as asked by the Chairman earlier, there are several alternatives, all ready; we just need to see our coordination with the Attorney General’s Office regarding the status and legality of the funding source,” he added.

During the meeting, heated debate arose regarding the possibility of using the APBN to cover the cost increase. This is because the government, which initially openly assured it would use the APBN, is now surrounded by concerns.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that the government is in principle ready to use the APBN so that pilgrims do not bear the cost increase due to avtur.