In Parliament, Haj Minister Reveals Surge in Hajj Costs Due to Rising Aviation Fuel Prices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that the global rise in avtur prices is exerting significant pressure on the costs of organising the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, particularly on the aviation component. “This situation underscores 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 funding,” said Menhaj Irfan Yusuf during a Working Meeting (Raker) with Commission VIII of the DPR RI in Jakarta on Wednesday. Menhaj Irfan explained that in determining the 2026 Hajj Organisation Cost (BPIH), the average per-person flight cost is around Rp33.5 million. However, global dynamics, such as rising avtur prices, increased war risk insurance premiums, and rupiah depreciation, are causing a significant surge in costs. “Additionally, geopolitical conditions could potentially force flight rerouting to avoid conflict airspace,” said Menhaj. Regarding the proposed costs, he said Garuda Indonesia has proposed an additional fee of about Rp7.9 million per person, while Saudi Airlines has requested an increase of 480 US dollars per person, assuming avtur prices reach 137.4 US cents per litre. In a scenario without route changes, he continued, the average per-person flight cost is estimated to rise to Rp46.9 million, an increase of 39.85%. Meanwhile, if routes are changed, costs could rise to Rp50.8 million, up by about 51.48%. Furthermore, Menhaj explained that the contract between the Ministry of Hajj and airlines includes a force majeure clause allowing adjustments through deliberation if certain conditions arise. Regarding potential additional costs, Menhaj emphasised that the government has discussed the matter in a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. “President Prabowo hopes that whatever increases occur, if there are increases, he requests that they not be passed on to our Hajj pilgrims,” said Menhaj Mochamad Irfan Yusuf. He added that this directive has become the government’s commitment, which is now being followed up with careful calculations of budget needs by the relevant team.