Hajj Observer: BPIH Determination Should Not Merely Serve Populist Policies

Indonesian Hajj and Umrah observer, Ade Marfuddin, has reminded the government that the determination of the Hajj Organising Cost (BPIH) should not merely serve populist agendas. He emphasised that the administration of the Hajj is intended for religious worship, rather than for populist or political gain.

Ade stated that the intention of organising the Hajj is for worship, not to seek popularity. He suggested that if the goal were purely populist, the government could use 60 to 70 per cent of the Hajj fund’s investment benefits, while leaving the pilgrims to pay only 30 per cent of the Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih).

“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is [established] to maintain the dignity of the Hajj; it must not be tarnished,” Ade told Republika on Tuesday (15/09/2026).

Ade expressed that the Hajj pilgrimage must return to its true essence and the meaning of ‘istithaah’ (capability). He argued that pilgrims should depart using their own clean, personal funds, while the investment benefits from the Hajj funds should be used for matters that support pilgrims in achieving a ‘mabrur’ (blessed) pilgrimage before, during, and after their journey.

“The investment benefits (of the Hajj funds) are not to be consumed for ourselves; they must be returned to social welfare,” he said.

Ade added that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah exists for religious purposes, not for populist or political objectives.

Previously, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah proposed a BPIH for the year 1448 H/ 2027 M amounting to Rp 107,340,172.02. Of this total proposal, the portion of Bipih to be paid directly by pilgrims is designed to be 40 per cent, or Rp 42,936,068.81. Meanwhile, the remaining 60 per cent, or Rp 64,404,103.21, is supported by the investment benefits of the Hajj funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).

Responding to this proposal, Ade noted that the government should not only consider this year’s Hajj, as there will be Hajj seasons next year as well. With two Hajj operations occurring within a single year, the investment benefits of the Hajj funds will be heavily utilised.

“Therefore, the sustainability of the investment benefits (of the Hajj funds) must be considered. Our note is that the 60 per cent figure (from the investment benefits) is eroding a significant portion of the Hajj fund’s value,” he said.

Ade further questioned what the ideal BPIH should be. He suggested that if the use of investment benefits is insisted upon, the ratio should at least be reversed: pilgrims should pay 60 per cent, with the investment benefits providing 40 per cent support.