Haji 2025: Nasaruddin Umar Optimistic about Lower Hajj Costs, Details Await DPR‘s Nod
Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister, Nasaruddin Umar, has announced hopeful news for Muslim pilgrims as he anticipates a reduction in Hajj expenses for the upcoming 2025 season. While the exact figure is still subject to external factors like inflation and the USD exchange rate, the Minister emphasizes the government’s commitment to making the pilgrimage more affordable.
"We aim to make Hajj more accessible to society through increased efficiency," said Nasaruddin during a press conference at the Presidential Palace on Friday, December 27, 2024. "By addressing and eliminating irregularities, we can contribute to a decrease in prices."
Nasaruddin’s deputy, Muhammad Syafi’i, however, reminded that the final decision lies with the House of Representatives (DPR) and circulated a meeting on December 30, 2024, to form a special committee for Hajj-related issues. Syafi’i stated that the specific reduction in Hajj costs can only be confirmed after the DPR’s deliberation and approval.
Earlier, in a separate press conference held on December 11, 2024, Nasaruddin said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has already determined the quota for Indonesian pilgrims and the Base Packages for Hajj (BPIH) for 2025. The Minister, however, was unable to reveal the figure, awaiting the DPR’s green light.
Nasaruddin expressed the ministry’s readiness to ensure a smooth 2025 Hajj season, mentioning successful talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq F Al Rabiah, last month. Meanwhile, the Komisi VIII of the DPR has urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to expedite the submission of the BPIH 2025 proposal.
With the 2025 Hajj season just months away, prospective pilgrims eagerly await the official BPIH announcement. In 2024, the BPIH stood at Rp 93.4 million per capita, with the cost of pilgrimage travel itself at Rp 56 million per person after deducting subsidies from the Hajj Fund.
As the Muslim world looks ahead to the 2025 Hajj, Indonesians anticipate that the government’sinoza pork for the pilgrimage will make it more reachable, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
