Indonesia’s Lawmaker Criticizes 2025 Hajj Cost Decrease of Only $1

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In Jakarta, Indonesia, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII has voiced strong criticism over the government’s proposed 2025 Hajj pilgrimage cost (BPIH), which shows a negligible decrease compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Religious Affairs proposed the 2025 Hajj cost at Rp 93,389,684 ($5,756), marking a reduction of only Rp 20,600 ($1.3) from 2024.

“The government has suggested a mere Rp 20,600 decrease in the Hajj cost compared to last year,” said Commission VIII Chair Marwan Dasopang during a working session with the ministry at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday.

Marwan criticized the minimal reduction, stating that it does not meet public expectations, particularly given prior commitments from Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar to significantly reduce the financial burden on pilgrims.

The government’s proposed cost-sharing scheme also came under fire. Under the plan, 70% of the Hajj cost would be borne by pilgrims, while the remaining 30% would be subsidized by the state. This means pilgrims would pay Rp 65,372,779, while the government would cover Rp 28,016,905 of the total cost.

Marwan called the scheme “unfair and excessive,” urging the government to reevaluate the formula to provide greater relief for pilgrims.

The Commission VIII Chair also criticized the performance of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), noting that its target to generate Rp 12 trillion in benefits was not met, with a shortfall of Rp 600 billion.

“If the target had been reached, there would be room to adjust the subsidy ratio to 60-40, easing the burden on pilgrims,” Marwan suggested.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, continues to experience increasing demand for the Hajj pilgrimage. The country has an annual Hajj quota of around 200,000 pilgrims, but the current waiting list exceeds 5.4 million people, meaning prospective pilgrims may have to wait at least 25 years for their turn.

The debate on the 2025 Hajj cost proposal is ongoing as Commission VIII and the Ministry of Religious Affairs work to refine the cost structure and address public concerns.

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