Minister Says Prabowo Only Nodded on Potential 2027 Hajj Cost Hike

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has said he conveyed the potential increase in 2027 Hajj costs to President Prabowo Subianto. He stated that the President has monitored the potential rise. “He only nodded, he has not given a response yet,” Irfan said at the DPR, MPR, and DPD Complex on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. Nevertheless, he claimed Prabowo still wants the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage not to further burden the congregation. Irfan said that despite the current situation, including the low exchange rate of the rupiah against the US dollar and predicted increases in flight costs, the government is trying to suppress this policy. “(Are there other efforts or patterns to suppress the high costs?) It will be discussed one by one by the DPR’s working committee. Whatever happens, we will try not to burden the congregation,” said the Gerindra Party politician. During a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the government proposed an increase in the Hajj Travel Cost (BPIH) to Rp 107.3 million per pilgrim. This amount is an increase of approximately Rp 19.9 million compared to the 2026 BPIH of Rp 87.4 million. Irfan Yusuf explained that the proposal was submitted while still observing the principles of efficiency, improving service quality, and the sustainability of the Hajj pilgrimage. “The calculation was prepared using an assumed exchange rate of Rp 17,500 per US dollar and Rp 4,666 per Saudi Riyal,” Irfan said. He detailed that the 2027 BPIH allocation is divided into a component for pilgrimage costs in Saudi Arabia amounting to Rp 60,891,068 or 56.7 percent, and domestic costs amounting to Rp 46,449,103 or 43.27 percent. This cost already includes the average flight price per pilgrim. He explained that the potential increase in 2027 Hajj costs is unavoidable due to the weakening rupiah exchange rate, as well as the strengthening of health manasik programmes, consumption costs, accommodation distribution, and visa requirements for replacement pilgrims. Consequently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is proposing a 60:40 scheme, with 60 percent from the value of BPKH benefits and 40 percent borne by the pilgrims. “This proposal is submitted to ease the financial burden on pilgrims amidst the projected increase,” he said.