Hajj 2027 Could Get Pricey, Hajj Minister Reveals Emergency Strategy
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has started putting together a plan for the 2027 Hajj and is looking into the framework for 2028 to tackle operational and financial challenges, especially the rising cost of jet fuel which is pushing up flight costs. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said his team is working on budget efficiency scenarios and trying to find the best formula to handle the cost pressures. "We've cut costs at various points as much as possible. But with this jet fuel price issue, we're exploring all sorts of possible formulas to get the best outcome," he said in Mecca, Sunday (31/5/2026).
Rising jet fuel prices and currency exchange fluctuations could bump up the Hajj travel costs (Bipih) that pilgrims have to pay. To keep the funding sustainable, Kemenhaj will coordinate with the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) and the Indonesian parliament. BPKH manages the initial deposit funds from pilgrims to generate returns used as subsidies, while the parliament has the authority to approve how the costs are split. This teamwork is expected to protect pilgrims' interests and keep the national Hajj fund healthy.
The Hajj minister stressed that operational technical readiness is in place, but highlighted how important it is for plans to sync up with BPKH's financial readiness, especially if Indonesia gets extra quota. Thorough planning is seen as crucial because Indonesia sends the largest number of Hajj pilgrims in the world. This move also aims to secure competitive flight and accommodation contracts in Saudi Arabia and ensure that the returns from the fund keep helping the millions of future pilgrims waiting in line.
https://mozaik.inilah.com/haji