Jakarta – Rising aviation fuel (avtur) costs are creating a significant financial challenge for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, adding Rp 1.77 trillion to the cost of transporting pilgrims. Former Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, has cautioned the government against using state funds (APBN) to cover this shortfall, arguing it lacks a strong legal basis and risks violating existing laws.
Legal Concerns Raised
“The leverage of the APBN to finance the increase in avtur prices has no legal basis and violates the law, even if This proves allegedly the President’s wish,” Lukman stated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. He specifically referenced Law Number 14 of 2025 concerning the Organization of Hajj and Umrah, which does not list the APBN as a funding source for the Cost of Hajj Implementation (BPIH).
Potential Funding Sources
Lukman outlined two potential avenues for securing the necessary Rp 1.77 trillion. First, the additional costs could be passed on to pilgrims traveling this year, a measure he deems reasonable given that Hajj is a financially obligatory act for those who are able. Second, funding could be drawn from the investment returns generated by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), which currently manages approximately Rp 180 trillion in Hajj funds.
Lukman emphasized the importance of legally sound financing for the Hajj, stating, “Hajj is a sacred worship. Its funding sources must likewise be sacred. It must not be financed from illegal sources that create sanctions.”
Government Response
Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, indicated that the government is working to establish a legal framework to support the disbursement of funds. He stated during a press conference at the Presidential Palace that discussions are underway with the DPR (House of Representatives) to determine the precise funding source. “Hopefully, I can announce the source of funding soon,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount of additional funding needed for the 2026 Hajj?
An additional Rp 1.77 trillion is required to cover increased aviation fuel costs for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
What two sources of funding were suggested by Lukman Hakim Saifuddin?
Lukman Hakim Saifuddin suggested that the additional funds could be sourced from either additional costs borne by pilgrims or from the investment returns of the Badan Pengelola Keuangan Haji (BPKH).
What is the role of the DPR in addressing this funding shortfall?
The government is currently in discussions with the DPR to determine the specific source of funding for the Rp 1.77 trillion shortfall.
As the government seeks a resolution, how might the chosen funding mechanism impact the accessibility of the Hajj pilgrimage for Indonesian Muslims?
