Prabowo Prepares Special Hajj Terminal and Reduces Queue Time

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for strategic steps to reduce hajj costs while also improving the efficiency of flight services for Indonesian pilgrims. One of the efforts being prepared by the government is exploring the establishment of a joint venture between Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines.

In the context of flight efficiency, Prabowo highlighted practices that have been deemed uneconomical. He explained that Garuda Indonesia planes transporting pilgrims to the Holy Land often return to Indonesia empty.

The same happens with Saudi planes that bring pilgrims back to Indonesia, then return without passengers. The President said, why not collaborate to create a subsidiary, 50 percent Saudi Arabia, 50 percent Indonesia." This airplane to Saudi Arabia is full, and to Indonesia is full. Prices could drop again. Time could be shorter," Prabowo conveyed In a Cabinet meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

He emphasized that the instruction had been given about two months ago and urged all relevant parties to move quickly to implement it. On the other hand, the government also noted progress in managing the hajj queue. If previously the waiting time could reach 48 years, starting in 2026 it is projected to be a maximum of 26 years.

"I have received reports that the hajj queue is no longer 48 years. Starting in 2026, the hajj queue will be a maximum of 26 years, and I will strive to make it even shorter," he said.

Not only that, the Indonesian government has also submitted a request to Saudi Arabia to have a special hajj terminal. According to Prabowo, the principle of the proposal has received initial approval.

"I requested permission from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Indonesia to have a special Hajj terminal. So later, that terminal will be specifically for our Hajj," Prabowo stated.