Menhaj Reveals Prabowo's Message on Ensuring Hajj Fuel Price Hike Does Not Burden Pilgrims

Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, or Gus Irfan, has revealed several challenges in this year’s Hajj preparations. One of them is the tripling of avtur prices. “The impact we are certainly feeling now is the increase in several Hajj components, including the flight component related to fuel, where avtur has risen twice, even up to three times. That is the direct impact we are feeling now, and we are seeking solutions,” said Gus Irfan after a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia at the Menhaj Office on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Irfan stated that President Prabowo Subianto has given directions regarding the issue. He mentioned that Prabowo asked Menhaj to find ways so that the avtur increase does not add to the burden on Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. “The President certainly emphasises that whatever happens, it should not add any burden to our Hajj pilgrims. That is the President’s hope,” he said. He noted that Prabowo requested that the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) performing Hajj be a priority. He said that Hajj policies are based on considerations of security and safety. “The President also said that whatever decisions the Indonesian government makes, they are all based on considerations of the security and safety of Indonesian citizens who will perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” he said.