This Afternoon, Prabowo Reportedly to Announce the Fate of Hajj Flight Costs for 2026
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto is reportedly set to announce the fate of Hajj flight costs for 2026 on Wednesday afternoon (8/4/2026), following fluctuations in global avtur prices.
Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, M Irfan Yusuf, stated that the team under the coordination of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy has completed various calculations related to those costs.
“As I mentioned yesterday, the team under the Coordinating Minister for the Economy has conducted various calculations, and insha’Allah, it will be announced directly by the President this afternoon,” said Irfan during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Wednesday.
The same sentiment was expressed by Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak.
“The value has already been determined, but it will likely be conveyed directly by the President. We have the value, we have calculated it, and we will submit it to the President,” said Dahnil.
“Indeed, the team from the Coordinating Ministry has stated that it will be announced directly by the President. We do not wish to preempt the President on this matter,” he continued.
This explanation was provided after Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Abdul Wachid, questioned the developments regarding avtur costs, which are one of the main components of Hajj flight expenses.
Previously, Irfan acknowledged that Hajj flight costs for 2026 have the potential for a significant increase, even without changes to the flight routes.
He stated that this situation is influenced by the rise in aircraft fuel (avtur) prices, surges in war risk costs, and the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar.
“In determining the BPIH for 2026, the average Hajj flight cost per pilgrim is around Rp 33.5 million. However, due to the global increase in avtur prices, surges in war risk, and rupiah depreciation, those costs have risen significantly,” said Irfan.
According to him, in a scenario without route changes, the average Hajj flight cost is estimated to rise to around Rp 46.9 million per pilgrim, an increase of 39.85%.
Meanwhile, if routes are rerouted to avoid conflict areas, costs could rise to around Rp 50.8 million per pilgrim, an increase of 51.48%.
Such route diversions, Irfan continued, could add up to four hours to travel time, with an additional avtur consumption of 12,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, Saudi Airlines has proposed an additional USD 480 per pilgrim based on avtur prices of 137.4 US cents per litre.
Nevertheless, Irfan emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has requested that any cost increases not be passed on to Hajj pilgrims.
“President Prabowo hopes that whatever happens, if there is an increase, he has asked that it not be burdened on our Hajj pilgrims,” said Irfan.