Minister Says Prabowo Only Nodded on Potential 2027 Hajj Cost Hike

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said he had conveyed the potential increase in the 2027 hajj cost to President Prabowo Subianto.

The President, he said, has been monitoring this potential increase. “He merely nodded, and has not yet given a response,” Irfan said at the DPR, MPR and DPD complex on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

Nevertheless, he claimed that Prabowo still wants the cost of the hajj pilgrimage not to become an increasing burden on pilgrims.

Irfan explained that despite the current situation — from the low exchange rate of the rupiah against the US dollar to predicted increases in flight costs — the government is striving to curb these effects.

“(Are there efforts or other approaches being taken to suppress the high costs?) These will be discussed one by one by the DPR’s working committee. Whatever happens, we will try not to burden pilgrims,” said the Gerindra Party politician.

At a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the government proposed raising the cost of hajj pilgrimage (BPIH) to Rp 107.3 million for each pilgrim.

This figure represents an increase of around Rp 19.9 million compared with the 2026 BPIH, which stands at Rp 87.4 million.

Irfan Yusuf explained that the proposal was made while still observing the principles of efficiency, improved service quality and the sustainability of hajj organisation.

“The calculation was drawn up using an exchange rate assumption 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 between hajj organising costs in Saudi Arabia of Rp 60,891,068, or 56.7 percent, and domestic organising costs of Rp 46,449,103, or 43.27 percent. The figure already includes the average flight price per pilgrim.

He explained that the potential increase in the 2027 hajj cost is unavoidable due to the weak rupiah, as well as the strengthening of the health ritual (manasik) programme, catering costs, accommodation distribution, and financing needs for visas for substitute pilgrims.

Then, he said, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah proposed a 60:40 scheme, with 60 percent drawn from the returns of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) and 40 percent borne by pilgrims.

“This proposal was put forward to lighten pilgrims’ financial burden amid the projected increase,” he said.