MUI Urges Return to 'Affordability' Principle in Hajj Financing Scheme

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has stated that the Hajj financing scheme should be returned to the principle of ‘manista’a ilaihi sabila’, meaning the obligation is only for those who are capable. Wakil Ketua Umum MUI KH Cholil Nafis made the statement in response to the government’s proposed Hajj costs and financing scheme for the 2027 season. The government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has proposed a Hajj Travel Cost (BPIH) of Rp107.34 million per person, an increase from the previous year’s cost of Rp87.4 million. To maintain affordability of the direct payment by pilgrims, the ministry proposed a financing scheme where 60 percent comes from the value of benefits managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) and 40 percent from the pure Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih) paid by the prospective pilgrim. Kiai Cholil argued that the term ‘subsidy’ in the context of Hajj costs is inaccurate because the funds do not come from the government budget, but rather from the development of the prospective pilgrims’ own initial deposits during the waiting period. He believes the current distribution of returns from the management of Hajj funds needs to be reviewed to ensure greater fairness for all prospective pilgrims, including those still in the waiting list.