President Prabowo Gives Instructions to Keep Hajj Costs Affordable for Pilgrims

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that the formulation of the Hajj Pilgrimage Costs (BPIH) must continue to take into account pilgrims’ financial capacity amid fluctuating economic conditions driven by geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

The President ordered that adjustments to several cost components of the hajj organization should not burden the pilgrims.

“Indeed, some figures must be changed, but principally, the President has said that the costs must not place great burden on the pilgrims,” Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said after attending a limited meeting led by President Prabowo at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (09/28).

During the meeting, President Prabowo also provided direction on the composition of the BPIH and the benefit value as part of the formulation of hajj financing. The Government will further examine changes to several cost components while continuing to take into account pilgrims’ capacity.

“Among others, we will reformulate the composition of the BPIH, namely the hajj organization costs and the benefit value. The President suggested a ratio of around 52 to 48, so that with this figure, the pilgrims will not have to bear too heavy burden,” he said.

The Minister said that changes to the hajj organization costs are inseparable from developments in the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, which also have economic impacts. The Government is taking these changes into account in formulating the BPIH.

“As we all know, there have been many changes related to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East which have had impact on our economy,” Irfan said.

He emphasized that, despite adjustments to several figures in the BPIH, the Government continues to seek a formula that ensures pilgrims do not bear an excessively large burden. President Prabowo’s directive remains a primary consideration in discussions on changes to hajj financing components.

“Therefore, we are also looking for formulations on how we can, even though the figures are different, ensure that pilgrims do not have to bear a significant burden,” he said.

President Prabowo’s directive serves as the Government’s reference in balancing the needs of hajj organization with pilgrims’ financial capacity. The cost formulation is still under discussion. Principally, the President has given instructions to ensure that pilgrims can perform the hajj without facing a steep cost increase. (BPMI) (EST/TM)