Religious Affairs Minister: Hajj Costs for 2026 Could Rise to Rp50 Million Due to War

Religious Affairs Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has revealed the potential for a significant rise in Hajj costs for 2026 due to the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran.

During a working meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Irfan stated that the potential increase could reach more than 50%, or up to Rp50.8 million per pilgrim, in a scenario involving changes to flight routes from the original cost of Rp33.5 million.

In a scenario with no changes to flight routes, the increase would be 39.85%, amounting to Rp46.9 million per pilgrim.

“In the scenario without route changes, the average cost per pilgrim would rise to around Rp46.9 million, an increase of 39.85%. Meanwhile, in the route change scenario, the cost would rise even higher to around Rp50.8 million, an increase of up to 51.48%,” said Irfan on Wednesday (8/4).

According to him, this potential increase is caused by the rise in global aviation fuel prices due to the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel. Garuda Indonesia, Irfan said, has indicated a potential addition of up to 4 hours to travel time if alternative routes are used, resulting in an additional 12,000 tons of fuel.

Recently, the state-owned airline also sent a letter numbered Garuda/JAKARTA/DZ/20181-26, proposing an additional Rp7.9 million per pilgrim at an aviation fuel price of 116 US cents per litre.

Meanwhile, Saudi Airlines, through letter number 11732247/11501 dated April 2026, proposed an additional USD 480 per pilgrim at an aviation fuel price of 137.4 US cents per litre.

According to Irfan, the 2026 Hajj is under pressure from increasingly complex global geopolitical conditions.

“This situation underscores that the organisation of this year’s Hajj is under pressure from increasingly complex global factors, requiring strengthened efficiency, coordination, and mitigation to maintain the sustainability of Hajj financing,” said Irfan.