Jambi Provincial Government Allocates Rp40 Billion for 2026 Hajj Needs

Jambi City (ANTARA) - The Jambi Provincial Government has allocated funds amounting to Rp40 billion, sourced from the 2026 Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD), for the accommodation needs of prospective Hajj pilgrims (CJH) from the region. “Initially, Rp29 billion had been budgeted, but it was insufficient due to the increase in Avtur (aircraft fuel), so we added more through unforeseen expenditure funds to reach Rp40 billion,” stated Jambi Governor Al Haris during the inaugural send-off at the Jambi City Hajj Dormitory on Tuesday (5/5) evening. According to Al Haris, the budget increase was prompted by the rise in aircraft fuel (Avtur) prices, which impacted the costs of chartering flights from Jambi to Batam. Consequently, the additional funding was unavoidable to support the smooth departure of pilgrims from Jambi to Batam before proceeding to the Holy Land, and vice versa during their return from Batam to Jambi. In addition to flight requirements, the budget is allocated for renting scanning equipment (X-ray), chartering buses, and providing meals for pilgrims during their journey. He continued that this budget addition reaffirms the government’s presence in delivering the best services for the smooth implementation of the pilgrimage for 3,276 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Jambi. “We cannot burden the pilgrims with donations for flight needs, so we took that step (the addition) because aircraft rental costs have risen,” he added. On that basis, in the future, the governor will continue to strive to transform Sultan Thaha Jambi Airport into an international airport, with support from all parties to expand flight connectivity. Thus, in the future, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Jambi can fly directly to Saudi Arabia without transiting through other provinces. “Our Hajj and Umrah pilgrims number quite a few, plus students studying abroad, so we need to push for upgrading Jambi Airport to international status,” he explained.