Hajj Flight Costs for 2026 Increase, DPR Member Questions Funding Source

JAKARTA - A member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has questioned the funding source that will cover the increase in Hajj flight costs for 2026 or 1447 Hijriah, amounting to Rp 1.77 trillion. This is because he sees a lack of synchronisation in statements between the Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) and his Deputy, which could confuse prospective Hajj pilgrims for 2026. Previously, there was a statement that the Hajj cost increase would be covered by the state revenue and expenditure budget (APBN). “What was initially stated to be taken from the APBN, turns out in another explanation it is said to come from the BPIH. This certainly requires a uniform and open explanation,” Hidayat said during a working meeting with the Menhaj on Tuesday (14/4/2026), quoted from the Youtube broadcast of TVR Parlemen. Transparency in Hajj fund management is necessary, Hidayat said, given the significant cost increase that will impact prospective pilgrims. “This must be explained openly so that there is no confusion, especially since this involves a large amount of funds and concerns the interests of the pilgrims,” Hidayat stated. Irfan explained that the Hajj flight costs for 2026 have risen due to the increase in avtur prices. In addition to avtur prices, currency fluctuations are also a cause of the significant increase in Hajj costs for 2026. Garuda Indonesia, Irfan revealed, proposed an increase of up to Rp 974.8 billion. Meanwhile, Rp 802.8 billion was submitted by Saudi Airlines. “In aggregate, the total cost has jumped from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion, or an increase of Rp 1.77 trillion,” Irfan said. The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has also been involved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to ensure the legality of the funding source. Based on Law No. 14 of 2025, the components of Hajj flight costs are sourced from the Hajj Management Fee (BPIH). Meanwhile, flight costs for kloter officials are sourced from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). Despite the significant increase, he emphasised that the issue will not be passed on to prospective Hajj pilgrims for 2026. “Alhamdulillah, the President has emphasised that this cost surge should not be burdened on the pilgrims,” Irfan said.