Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's parliament has agreed to a government request to pay part of the 2026 Hajj costs in advance to make sure pilgrims get proper services during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The payment, worth 627.24 million Saudi riyals (around Rp2.72 trillion or USD167 million), will be used to secure essential services such as tents, food, transport, and accommodation in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina — key locations during the Hajj.
"This is an urgent situation," said the House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission VIII Chair Marwan Dasopang after a meeting with the Religious Affairs Ministry and Hajj agencies on Thursday.
"Without early payment, we might lose access to important facilities for our pilgrims," he said.
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar explained that although the full cost of the 2026 Hajj has not been officially discussed yet, a deadline from Saudi authorities on August 23 means Indonesia must act now to reserve spots and services.
The budget is based on the cost estimates from 2025, using the same number of expected pilgrims — about 203,320 people.
The funds will come from the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) using a prepayment system that is already allowed under existing rules.
"The funds will be taken in advance from the 2026 Hajj budget, not from new or extra money.This is part of the planned operational costs," Umar explained.
“With this approach, there is no regulatory violation, no additional burden on pilgrims, and no risk of financial loss to the state,” he added.
