Menhaj Assures Pilgrims Will Not Be Burdened by Hajj Cost Adjustments for 2026
TANGERANG - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) of the Republic of Indonesia, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf or Gus Irfan, has emphasised that the government will not burden pilgrims with adjustments to Hajj costs resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.
Gus Irfan stated that President Prabowo Subianto has firmly instructed that any potential cost adjustments in organising this year’s Hajj pilgrimage must not be passed on to the pilgrims.
“From the outset, President Prabowo Subianto has given firm instructions that whatever happens, if there are additional costs, they must not be borne by the Hajj pilgrims. The government ensures this commitment is consistently implemented,” said Menhaj Gus Irfan at the opening of the National Consolidation Workshop for the Organisation of the Hajj Pilgrimage for the Year 1447 Hijriah or 2026 CE at the Tangerang Hajj Dormitory on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
On 30 March 2026, Garuda Indonesia airline submitted a price change request, followed by Saudi Airlines on 31 March 2026.
Nevertheless, Gus Irfan assured that these flight price or cost adjustments would not affect the expenses borne by the pilgrims.
“We assure you that the price changes will not be passed on to the pilgrims. The state is present to protect the pilgrims,” he stressed.
The government emphasises that in any circumstances, the aspects of security and safety of the pilgrims remain the top priority in organising the Hajj pilgrimage.
“Alhamdulillah, tensions in the Middle East are starting to subside. This is an important factor in supporting the smooth running of the Hajj pilgrimage,” he added.
It was previously reported that the government is not imposing additional Hajj costs on pilgrims despite the rise in aviation fuel prices amid the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, revealed that the 2026 Hajj costs have been reduced by Rp 2 million from the 2025 Hajj costs.
However, for this year 2026, due to the increase in aviation fuel prices, Airlangga stated that the government is holding the Hajj costs steady without any rise.
“Well, as we know, the Hajj costs have been reduced by Rp 2 million. Then, the impact of the aviation fuel price increase is absorbed by the government. So there is no increase in Hajj costs,” Airlangga explained during a press conference at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026).