Minister of Hajj: Government Reduces Hajj Costs by Up to Rp7 Million

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that the government has reduced the total Hajj cost by up to Rp7 million per pilgrim over the last two years. “During President Prabowo’s administration up to this year, he has overseen two Hajj seasons. In these two seasons, we have successfully reduced the total Hajj cost by Rp7 million,” Irfan emphasised during a CNN Indonesia TV broadcast on Monday evening (20/4). “Additionally, there is the government’s commitment to cover the shortfall in flight costs requested,” he added. Irfan acknowledged that the establishment of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah was significantly behind the operational calendar already underway by the Saudi government. “The Ministry of Hajj was formed in August. The Minister of Hajj was inaugurated on 8 September. Meanwhile, the Saudi government’s Hajj process timeline began in June. This means we were delayed in July, August, and September—three months,” he said. Irfan noted that technical coordination across institutions and with the DPR has caught up on all delays, ensuring the first batch is ready to depart for the Holy Land today. “But alhamdulillah, with the hard work of all parties from the Ministry of Hajj at the central, provincial, and regional levels, and of course coordination with Commission 8 colleagues, we have caught up on all delays up to today. Insya Allah, tomorrow they enter the Hajj assembly dormitories, and the day after they depart,” he said. Irfan also urged the public to focus on the series of worship without worrying about technical obstacles. “We have prepared everything as best as possible. Insya Allah, with good preparations and certainly prayers from all parties, especially from the Hajj pilgrims and their families, we will be able to carry out the 2026 Hajj process as best as possible,” he said. The 2026 Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to begin entering the Hajj assembly dormitories today, Tuesday (21/4). The day after, the first wave of pilgrims will start being flown from Indonesia to Madinah tomorrow, Wednesday (22/4). Meanwhile, the second wave of pilgrims will follow, departing for Makkah via Jeddah Airport starting 7 May 2026.