Ministry of Religious Affairs Reviews Increase in Hajj Flight Costs, Requires Rp 1.7 Trillion

Amid global uncertainties and a surge in flight costs, the government is still reviewing schemes to cover the Hajj cost shortfall to avoid burdening Hajj pilgrims. Several funding options, from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) to funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), are currently under discussion. Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that to cover the difference in the flight cost increase, they require around Rp 1.7 trillion. “We’ll see, for now, we’re preparing. Preparing around more than Rp 1 trillion, yes, Rp 1.7 trillion,” Dahnil said when asked by Republika.co.id after an audience with Deputy National Police Chief Dedi Prasetyo at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah RI Office, Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta, on Thursday (9/4/2026). However, the exact amount will still be recalculated due to differences in requests from Saudia Airlines and Garuda as the main airlines serving Hajj pilgrim flights. “We’ll recalculate later because there are price fluctuations. So, for example, yesterday avtur (aviation fuel) dropped. We’ll adjust accordingly,” Dahnil said. Previously, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa mentioned preparing around Rp 1.77 trillion from the APBN to cover the increase in Hajj flight operational costs. However, the additional option from BPKH funds is still under discussion. “Please ask BPKH (about their readiness),” Dahnil said. Head of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) Fadlul Imansyah emphasised that they are in principle ready to fully support this year’s Hajj worship to ensure it proceeds as expected.