Increase in Hajj Flight Costs Covered by State Budget or Hajj Funds? Menhaj: Both Possible

Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) of the Republic of Indonesia, M Irfan Yusuf, has emphasised that the additional Hajj flight costs amounting to Rp 1.77 trillion will not be borne by the pilgrims. The government assures that the financing scheme will be covered by the state, either through the APBN or Hajj funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). “It has been agreed with colleagues from the DPR RI that the additional costs will be covered by the government and not passed on to Hajj pilgrims in accordance with the directive from President Prabowo Subianto,” said Irfan during a press conference at the Menhaj Office, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026). When asked about the budget source, Irfan stated that the government is still refining the formula. However, he opened the possibility of using both schemes simultaneously. “It is possible to use both, whether it is the APBN or Indonesian Hajj funds, which can serve as a solution,” said the minister, who is affectionately called Gus Irfan. Previously, Gus Irfan revealed that the surge in Hajj flight costs is due to the increase in avtur prices and exchange rate fluctuations. According to Gus Irfan, this cost pressure has led airlines to request significant adjustments. He said that Garuda Indonesia has proposed an additional cost of Rp 974.8 billion, while Saudi Airlines has requested Rp 802.8 billion.