How to Save for the Rp25 Million Initial Hajj Regular Deposit from Scratch

Many people believe that performing the Hajj pilgrimage is only possible for those who are financially well-established. Upon hearing the Hajj service fee (ONH) reaching tens of millions of rupiah, not a few immediately abandon their intention with the reason: “Not yet able.” However, the regular Hajj organisation system in Indonesia does not require prospective pilgrims to have the full cost upfront. Through the official government mechanism, now managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the public can begin registering for Hajj without needing the entire amount at the start. Indonesia implements a waiting list system for regular Hajj departures. This means every prospective pilgrim will receive a queue number (portion number) that determines when they can depart. In many regions, the current waiting time ranges from 15 to more than 25 years, and can be even longer depending on the quota. This is the crucial point often misunderstood. The key to departing on regular Hajj is not just about being able to pay, but how quickly you enter the queue. To obtain a portion number, prospective pilgrims only need to deposit initial funds of around Rp25 million (subject to government policy changes). After the initial deposit: - You officially enter the waiting list - You immediately receive a queue number - Your departure schedule starts to be “locked in.” This means you do not need to wait until you have the full funds to start registering. Many people focus on the large total Hajj cost, but in practice, what is far more determining is the speed of taking a position in the queue. The sooner you register: - The sooner you get a portion number - The closer you are to the departure schedule - The longer the time to prepare the remaining costs. In other words, delaying only makes the waiting time longer, not lighter. After the initial deposit, prospective pilgrims are not required to immediately pay off the entire cost. The general scheme is: - Initial deposit and obtain portion number - Enter the queue according to the region - Wait for years - Final payment is made close to departure. During the waiting period, the stored funds are also managed by the government through the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) to provide beneficial value. Prospective pilgrims have a long time to prepare the remaining costs gradually. To make it easier to understand, here is a simple overview of how the initial deposit of around Rp25 million can be accumulated gradually, based on common financial conditions in society. If spread over two years, the initial deposit requirement is not as large as it seems at first. With the assumption: - Rp25 million divided by 24 months - Results in around Rp1 million per month - Or equivalent to approximately Rp30,000-Rp35,000 per day. For a more concrete picture, here is a simulation based on several salary levels. With a salary of Rp4 million: At this level, saving capacity is indeed limited. However, it is still possible if combined with additional income sources. For example: - Routine savings of around Rp800,000 per month - Additional from small business or freelance around Rp400,000-Rp500,000. Thus, total savings can reach around Rp1.2-Rp1.3 million per month. With this scheme, the Rp25 million target can be achieved in about 18-20 months. With a salary of Rp6 million: With more flexible income, savings allocation can be increased. For example: - Setting aside Rp1.5 million from the main salary - Plus additional income of around Rp500,000. Total savings become around Rp2 million per month. In this condition, the initial Hajj deposit can be collected in about 12 to 13 months. With a salary of Rp10 million: At this level, mathematically, the saving capacity is much larger. However, in practice, it is often eroded by lifestyle. If simple budgeting is done: Allocation of around 20% of income (±Rp2 million per month). Then the Rp25 million target can be achieved in about 12 months. If added with irregular funds like THR and annual bonuses, the collection time can even be accelerated to less than one year.