Indonesia's Parliament Seeks Review of Proposed 2027 Hajj Cost Increase

SUARA NEGERI ■ JAKARTA — Indonesia's House of Representatives is seeking a review of the government's proposed 2027 Hajj pilgrimage cost of IDR 107.34 million per pilgrim, saying the increase should not place excessive financial pressure on prospective pilgrims or weaken the country's Hajj fund sustainability.

Marwan Dasopang, chairman of the parliamentary Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs, said the Ministry of Religious Affairs had proposed a Hajj Organizing Cost (BPIH) of IDR 107,340,172 for the 2027 pilgrimage season (1447 Hijri).

"The ministry has submitted the proposed Hajj financing for 2027 to Commission VIII, amounting to IDR 107,340,172 per pilgrim," Marwan told reporters at the parliament complex on Tuesday.

He said the proposal was calculated using an assumed exchange rate of IDR 17,500 per U.S. dollar and IDR 4,666 per Saudi riyal, contributing to the higher estimated costs.

Lawmakers said there was still room to reduce expenses through further negotiations with the Saudi authorities and by improving cost efficiency.

Commission VIII also questioned the proposed financing structure, which would split the burden almost evenly between pilgrims' direct payments and investment returns managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH).

Marwan said several lawmakers had objected to the nearly 50:50 funding ratio, arguing it could place undue pressure on the long-term sustainability of Indonesia's Hajj finances.

The proposed 2027 Hajj budget remains under discussion between the government and parliament before a final decision is reached. (Robert Paiman)