Legislator Questions Funding Source if Hajj Costs Rise in 2026

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission VIII, Dini Rahmania, has questioned the source of additional funding if the Hajj costs for 2026 experience an increase.

She also reminded that the policy should not impact a decline in service quality, even though the government has committed that the increase will not be borne by the pilgrims.

“With that directive, we are requesting an explanation from the Ministry regarding from which budget position the additional funding will be taken? And whether it will be through optimisation of existing budgets, efficiency of other cost components, or support from the state budget,” Dini stated during a working meeting with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah RI and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

“So, please explain the scheme and mitigation so that this policy can still be implemented without reducing the quality of services for pilgrims,” she said.

Dini also highlighted the possibility of BPKH’s involvement in covering the cost increase through the value of Hajj fund benefits.

However, she cautioned that such a step should not disrupt the sustainability of the Hajj funds.

“If BPKH is also ready to increase the subsidy portion through the benefit value to cover the cost increase due to aviation fuel, if that is done, will our Hajj funds still be safe and sustainable without burdening future pilgrims?” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI M Irfan Yusuf emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has requested that the Hajj cost increase not be passed on to pilgrims if it truly occurs.

According to Irfan, the government has also studied various possible sources of additional funding that can be used.

“Indeed, the President’s request is that whatever happens, if there must be price adjustments later, especially related to flight costs, we will endeavour not to burden our pilgrims,” Irfan said.

“We tried to look for opportunities and possibilities from where the sources are last Friday. But there will be a cabinet meeting later, after that we will confirm the sources,” he added.

“It could be various possibilities. Clearly, the President has asked that it not be passed on to pilgrims,” he stated.