Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf admitted to being in a tight spot as aircraft fuel prices surged ahead of the 2026 Hajj, or 1447 Hijri. According to Irfan, the past ten days were crucial as Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines, the carriers serving the pilgrimage, suddenly requested additional fees.

Irfan stated that initially, only Garuda requested a fare increase. "At that time, we also asked Saudia, 'Garuda is asking for an increase, but not Saudia, right?' The answer was no, Alhamdulillah, not at that time," he recounted.

"It turned out that Saudia also requested an increase later due to the rise in fuel," Irfan said at the Presidential Staff Office in the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Irfan mentioned that the total increase in flight costs to accommodate all pilgrims departing in 2026 with Garuda and Saudia Airlines amounted to Rp1.77 trillion. As a result, the Gerindra Party politician immediately reported the matter to President Prabowo Subianto.

"Yes, because we were somewhat at a loss, we reported it to the President. The President said, 'Whatever happens, this additional amount should not be imposed on the pilgrims,'" Irfan said, echoing Prabowo's directive.

Regarding the source of funding to cover the shortfall in Hajj flight costs, Irfan admitted he did not yet know the specifics. However, he ensured that the budget is already available.

Irfan stated that the government is currently seeking the proper legal grounds for the disbursement of those funds. "The budget is definitely there. We just need to find the legal basis to disburse it," he said.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the minister explained the issue of the increased flight costs to the House of Representatives (DPR). He explained that the spike was triggered by a surge in fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations, which put significant pressure on the Hajj flight financing structure. Irfan noted that Garuda Indonesia proposed a cost increase of up to Rp978 billion, while Saudia Airlines set its additional fare at Rp802.8 billion.

"In aggregate, the total cost rose from Rp6.69 trillion to Rp8.46 trillion, an increase of Rp1.77 trillion," Irfan said during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR at the Parliament Building in Jakarta on Tuesday.

– Dede Leni Mardianti contributed to this article

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2098394/hajj-minister-admits-panic-over-surging-2026-hajj-flight-cost