Impact of Middle East Conflict: Menhaj Attempts to Prevent Rise in Hajj Costs for 2026

JAKARTA - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, also known as Gus Irfan, is striving to prevent a rise in the Hajj Organisational Costs (BPIH) for 2026, which may be impacted by the Middle East conflict.

The Middle East conflict is affecting global oil prices, which in turn impacts aviation fuel (avtur) used by aircraft.

“InsyaAllah, we will strive hard not to increase costs for the pilgrims. We will seek other sources that we can still utilise later,” said Gus Irfan at the Kompas Tower in Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

Secondly, there is the potential for changes to flight routes to Saudi Arabia due to the Middle East conflict. Route changes may be implemented to ensure the safety of Indonesian prospective pilgrims.

“This will automatically require additional costs,” said Gus Irfan.

Nevertheless, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, is reportedly in Saudi Arabia to ensure the smooth running of the 2026 Hajj or 1447 Hijriah.

“As per the President’s directive, the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims is the top priority. Therefore, we are mitigating various possible scenarios that may occur,” said Gus Irfan.

It is known that the Ministry of Hajj has set the Hajj Organisational Costs (BPIH) for 2026 at Rp 87,409,365.45, on Wednesday (29/10/2025).

Meanwhile, the Hajj Travel Costs (Bipih) borne by prospective pilgrims amount to Rp 54,193,806.58.

Indonesia has been allocated a Hajj quota of 221,000 for 2026. From this total quota of 221,000, the regular Hajj quota is 203,320.

“Setting the Hajj Organisational Costs or BPIH for the year 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE, sourced from Hajj Travel Costs or Bipih and Nilai Manfaat,” states the copy of the Presidential Decree, Friday (5/12/2025).

For prospective pilgrims, they must pay the Bipih, which will cover flight costs, part of the accommodation services in Mecca and Medina, as well as living expenses.