Prabowo's Commitment to Protect the Poorest Citizens by Reducing Hajj Costs

President Prabowo Subianto is committed to protecting the most vulnerable citizens regarding Hajj pilgrimage costs. Amid rising aviation fuel prices, the government has ensured a reduction in the 2026 Hajj expenses. “Even though aviation fuel prices are rising, we are bold enough to lower the Hajj costs for this year. This is the government’s commitment to protecting the poorest citizens,” Prabowo explained, as quoted from Kompas.com on Wednesday (8/4/2026). Previously, there were concerns that Hajj costs would increase, but the government has now confirmed a reduction of Rp 2 million. “What we have decided, which I can announce now, is that for the 2026 Hajj implementation—unless the Saudi Arabian government decides otherwise—if we proceed, we ensure that the 2026 Hajj costs will be reduced by around Rp 2 million,” Prabowo stated. Earlier, Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs received a letter from the Saudi government-owned Saudia airline, informing of an increase in aircraft fuel costs to be borne per Hajj pilgrim for 2026. “Some time ago, Saudia airline sent a letter to us stating that they must add to the burden per pilgrim, so there is an increase,” said Dahnil, as quoted from the official Instagram account @kemenhaj.ri on Wednesday (8/4/2026). “Flight costs are set to rise; when aviation fuel increases, our airlines request that pilgrim flight costs be raised, but the president has instructed that this increase must not be passed on to Hajj pilgrims,” he clarified. Dahnil assured that all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will not be charged for the aviation fuel increase.