Prabowo Cuts Hajj Costs for 2026 by Rp2 Million

The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options. President Prabowo Subianto has assured that the government will lower the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026, amid pressures from rising global energy costs. This policy is described as part of efforts to maintain public access to the Hajj pilgrimage. “We have decided that the implementation of Hajj in 2026, unless the Saudi Arabian government decides otherwise, if we proceed, we ensure that the Hajj cost for 2026 will be reduced by around Rp2 million,” he said during the briefing of the Merah Putih Cabinet Working Meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4). “Even though aviation fuel prices are rising, we are bold enough to lower the Hajj costs this year; this is the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people,” he continued. In addition to costs, the government is targeting improvements to the queuing system. Prabowo stated that Hajj waiting times will be significantly reduced compared to previous years. “We are now fighting, and alhamdulillah, the Hajj queue is no longer 48 years; starting in 2026, the longest Hajj queue will be 26 years. I am striving to make it even shorter,” he explained. Another step being prepared is strengthening facilities in Saudi Arabia. For the first time, Indonesia is said to have land in Mecca that will be used as a special area for pilgrims. “For the first time in history, Indonesia has been honoured; we now have land in Mecca. The land is around 45 hectares, both the old and new, totalling 45 hectares,” Prabowo explained. On this land, the government plans to build a complete Hajj village with various supporting facilities. Additionally, Indonesia has proposed building a dedicated Hajj terminal to speed up the departure and return processes for pilgrims. “On the 45 hectares, we will build a Hajj village with several towers. I have proposed and it has been principally approved; I have requested permission from the Saudi Arabian kingdom to have a dedicated Hajj terminal, so that terminal will be specifically for our Hajj to allow quick entry and exit,” he clarified. Efficiency is also targeted in the air transport sector. Prabowo revealed plans for cooperation between national airlines and Saudi Arabia to optimise Hajj flights, which have previously been deemed inefficient. “I have instructed to approach Saudi Air so that Garuda and Saudi Air can form a joint venture. So far, Garuda has been carrying departing Hajj pilgrims, but returns empty. This is not economical, it doesn’t make sense. Saudi Arabia does the same; they return our Hajj pilgrims to Indonesia, but the return is empty. I said, why not cooperate, 50% Saudi, 50% Indonesia. The plane flies to Saudi full, and back to Indonesia full,” he explained. He added that this step has been ordered several months ago and is now being pushed for immediate realisation. The government targets accelerating implementation so that the benefits can be felt in the near future.