Hajj Minister Says Hajj Costs Could Rise by Tens of Millions Due to Iran War
Religious Affairs Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has revealed the potential increase in Hajj costs for 2026 due to the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran. This rise in flight costs could reach tens of millions of rupiah.
During a working meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Irfan stated that the potential increase could exceed 50 per cent, reaching Rp50.8 million per pilgrim in a scenario involving changes to flight routes, from the original cost of Rp33.5 million. This means an increase in flight costs of Rp17.3 million.
In a scenario without changes to flight routes, the increase would be 39.85 per cent, amounting to Rp46.9 million per pilgrim. Thus, the increase would be Rp13.4 million.
“In the scenario without route changes, the average cost per pilgrim rises to around Rp46.9 million, an increase of 39.85 per cent. Meanwhile, in the route change scenario, the cost rises higher to around Rp50.8 million, an increase of up to 51.48 per cent,” said Irfan on Wednesday (8/4).
According to him, this potential increase is caused by the rise in global avtur (aviation fuel) prices due to the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel. Garuda Indonesia airlines, Irfan said, has indicated a potential addition of up to 4 hours to travel time if using alternative routes, resulting in an additional 12,000 tons of avtur.
Recently, the state-owned airline also sent a letter numbered Garuda/JAKARTA/DZ/20181-26, proposing an additional Rp7.9 million per pilgrim at an avtur price of 116 US cents per litre.
Meanwhile, Saudi Airlines, through letter number 11732247/11501 April 2026, proposed an additional USD 480 per pilgrim at an avtur price of 137.4 US cents per litre.
According to Irfan, the Hajj arrangements for 2026 are under pressure from increasingly complex global geopolitical situations.
“This situation emphasises that this year’s Hajj organisation is under pressure from increasingly complex global factors, thus requiring strengthened efficiency, coordination, and mitigation to maintain the sustainability of Hajj financing,” said Irfan.
Irfan stated that although there may be an increase in Hajj costs, President Prabowo has requested that it will not be passed on to Hajj pilgrims.
The Hajj cost for 2026 was previously set at Rp87.4 million. However, only Rp54.1 million is borne by pilgrims because there is a value of benefits from the management of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) amounting to Rp33,215,559 or 38 per cent of the total Hajj Service Fee (BPIH).