Indonesia's 2027 Hajj costs may rise, financing scheme sparks fairness debate

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the 2027 pilgrimage budget (BPIH) could increase to about Rp107.34 million per pilgrim, roughly Rp20 million higher than the previous year. The rise is linked to higher jet‑fuel prices, a weaker rupiah against the US dollar and Saudi‑driven service cost hikes. The government proposes a financing model in which roughly 60 % of the cost is covered by returns from the Hajj Funds Management Agency (BPKH) and the remaining 40 % is paid directly by pilgrims as travel expenses, aiming to keep the out‑of‑pocket amount affordable.

However, the Indonesian Ulema Council’s deputy chairman KH Cholil Nafis criticised the scheme, saying the term “subsidy” is misleading. He explained, “Istilah subsidi yang dipakai sekarang itu bukan dari pemerintah, melainkan dari bagi hasil keseluruhan yang diberikan mayoritas kepada orang yang berangkat haji… Sementara yang belum berangkat itu yang waiting list dikasih kecil sekali.” The council warns that pilgrims still on the waiting list may receive little benefit, raising concerns over equity and transparency in the financing approach.