Prabowo Decides to Reduce Hajj Costs for 2026 by Rp 2 Million Despite Rising Jet Fuel Prices

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has decided to lower the cost of the 2026 Hajj by Rp 2 million. However, the current price of avtur is rising from Rp 13,656 per litre to Rp 23,551 per litre. “What we have decided is that, which I can announce now, is the implementation of the Hajj in 2026, unless the Saudi Arabian government determines otherwise; if we carry it out, we ensure that the cost of the Hajj in 2026 will be reduced by around Rp 2 million,” said Prabowo during a briefing at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026). Prabowo stated that even though avtur prices are rising, the government is bold enough to lower the Hajj costs. “Even though avtur prices are rising, we are still daring to lower the Hajj prices for this year. This is the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people,” he added. Previously reported, the government has ensured that the 2026 Hajj costs will not be burdened by the increase in aircraft avtur prices. Prabowo Subianto is said to have provided a solution to the surge in those costs to maintain affordability for pilgrims. This was conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, after closing the Grand Hajj Simulation 1447 H/2026 M of Bank Sumut at the Medan Hajj Hostel in North Sumatra on Tuesday (7/4/2026). “There is indeed a very significant increase in avtur, but the President’s directive is that he does not want there to be a heavy burden for Hajj pilgrims,” said Dahnil, quoted from Antaranews. Dahnil explained that the increase in avtur prices occurred quite sharply due to global dynamics, particularly in the Middle East region. This situation directly impacts the operational costs of Hajj flights. National carrier Garuda Indonesia, which transports Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, is said to have to bear a large additional cost. Even Saudi Arabian airlines have conveyed an increase in cost burdens.