Government Seeks Legal Basis to Cover Hajj Cost Increase

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that the government is seeking a legal basis for using funds to cover the increase in Hajj costs for 1447 Hijriah or 2026 AD. The additional operational costs for this year’s Hajj amount to Rp 1.77 trillion, caused by proposed increases in flight costs from Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines. The rise in flight costs was triggered by a surge in avtur, or aircraft fuel prices, and exchange rate fluctuations stemming from conflicts in the Middle East region. The government has assured that the increase in flight tariffs will not be passed on to Hajj pilgrims. According to Irfan, the Ministry of Hajj and Commission VIII of the House of Representatives have held extensive discussions on the funding sources for the additional Hajj costs. “Clearly, the government assures that we will cover the shortfall, the additional budget request,” said Irfan at the Presidential Staff Office in the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. Although there is no certainty yet on the funding source, this Gerindra Party politician emphasised that the budget is already available. “The budget is definitely there. We just need to find the legal basis to disburse it,” said Irfan. On that occasion, Irfan admitted to being flustered when avtur prices spiked ahead of the 2026 Hajj implementation. According to Irfan, the last ten days were a crucial time. As a result, Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines, which serve Hajj flights, submitted requests for additional costs. Irfan said that initially, only Garuda requested an increase in flight tariffs. “At that time, we also asked Saudi, ‘Garuda is asking for more, what about Saudi?’ No, Alhamdulillah, no, it was conveyed at that time. Suddenly Saudi also requested more because avtur prices rose,” said Irfan. Irfan stated that he complained to President Prabowo Subianto. “Yes, because we were a bit flustered, we reported to the President. The President said, ‘Whatever happens, do not burden the pilgrims with this addition,’” said Irfan, quoting Prabowo. On Tuesday, 14 April 2026, Irfan explained the issue of rising Hajj flight costs to parliament. Irfan conveyed that Garuda Indonesia proposed an increase of up to Rp 978 billion, while Saudi Airlines set costs at Rp 802.8 billion. “In aggregate, the total cost jumped from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, or an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion,” said Irfan during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR at the Parliament Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. The government, he said, is currently examining various financing alternatives to cover the cost difference. Irfan mentioned two funding source options being prepared. Namely, for pilgrim Hajj flight costs sourced from the Hajj Operational Implementation Cost (BPIH). Then, for official cluster flight costs taken from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).