Ministry Confirms Pilgrims Not Charged for 2026 Hajj Flight Cost Increase

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf confirmed that pilgrims will not be charged for the rise in 2026 Hajj flight costs.

He explained that rising aviation fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations have placed heavy pressure on the financing structure, prompting airlines to propose adjustments.

Garuda Indonesia submitted a proposal for an additional IDR 974.8 billion, while Saudi Airlines requested IDR 802.8 billion. In total, flight costs rose from IDR 6.69 trillion to IDR 8.46 trillion, an increase of IDR 1.77 trillion.

“Thankfully, the President has emphasized that this increase should not burden pilgrims. We are coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office and other relevant institutions to ensure the legality of funding sources and the force majeure status,” Irfan said during a hearing with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

He noted that several financing alternatives have been prepared, but the final decision awaits cross‑agency coordination. Irfan referred to Law No. 14/2025, the third amendment to Law No. 8/2019, which stipulates that Hajj flight costs are covered by the Hajj Pilgrimage Management Fund (BPIH).

Meanwhile, Hajj officials' flight costs are borne by the State Budget (APBN). He added that Commission VIII is expected to approve the amount and financing scheme.

The government’s position drew criticism from lawmakers. Commission VIII Speaker Marwan Dasopang demanded clarity on the source of funds, stressing the need for transparency if financing comes from either the BPIH or the APBN.

“If the funds are not charged to pilgrims, then where are they coming from? This must be clear. If it is from the BPIH, then the Audit Board (BPK) must weigh in. If it is from the APBN, the Budget Committee must also be involved because this concerns state finances,” Marwan said.

The DPR urged the government to provide a definitive answer soon, as the matter will be included in the official meeting conclusions.

While financing discussions continue, operational preparations for the Hajj are underway.

The Ministry has scheduled the departure of Indonesian Hajj officials in stages, beginning with the advance team on April 13, followed by the airport and Madinah working groups on April 17–18. The Makkah working group will depart on April 22–23, while the Amirul Hajj is scheduled to leave on May 19.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that Indonesia has received an official quota of 221,000 pilgrims for 2026, consisting of 203,320 regular pilgrims and 17,680 special pilgrims. The first group of pilgrims will enter the Hajj dormitories on April 21 and depart for Saudi Arabia on April 22.

“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is fully committed to carrying out its mandate professionally, transparently, and responsibly, ensuring that service quality remains optimal and financing schemes do not disadvantage pilgrims,” Irfan said. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)