Prabowo Requests That Potential Hajj Cost Increases Not Be Passed on to Pilgrims

Jakarta - Indonesian Minister for Hajj and Umrah, M Irfan Yusuf, revealed that President Prabowo Subianto has requested that any potential increases in the costs of organising the Hajj pilgrimage not be passed on to the pilgrims. This potential cost increase is predicted to arise due to the uncertain geopolitical situation in the Middle East. “Yes, regarding the possibilities of additional costs related to flights, the government has already started discussing this and addressing it in recent coordination meetings. The main point is that President Prabowo hopes that whatever happens, any increases, if they occur, should not be burdened on our Hajj pilgrims,” said Irfan during a working meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission VIII on Wednesday (8/4/2026). However, Prabowo’s directive on this matter has become a government commitment that is currently being explored in greater depth. “That is a commitment from President Prabowo that has been requested for us and the team to delve into and calculate exactly how much funding is needed,” said Irfan. Irfan conveyed this in response to Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Abdul Wachid, who highlighted the potential increase in Hajj costs amid the unstable security situation in the Middle East. “As we all understand, the security situation in the Middle East is still not improving. This condition has impacted various aspects, including the rise in global oil prices and the weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar, and what needs to be noted is the specific impact on the costs of organising the Hajj pilgrimage for 1447 Hijriah or 2026 AD,” said Wachid. Therefore, Commission VIII has requested an explanation from the government regarding the possibility of Hajj cost increases, including the affected components and sources of additional funding if increases occur. “Is there potential for an increase in the costs of organising the Hajj pilgrimage for 1447 Hijriah or 2026 AD from the amount that has been set? If there is an increase, on which components will it occur? How much is the increase? And from where will the source of the additional funding be obtained?” said Wachid.