Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar announced that the reduction in Hajj costs by 2025 aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s wishes, as reported by Tribunnews.com. This development comes after President Prabowo expressed his desire for the Hajj fees to decrease without compromising the quality of service provided. Nasaruddin shared these insights during a press conference held at the House of Representatives (DPR) Building in Senayan, Jakarta on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Obsession with Cost Reduction:
Nasaruddin emphasized President Prabowo’s obsession with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) and the Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH) to ensure that future pilgrims’ financial burden is lightened while maintaining high standards of Hajj execution. Following intensive meetings with the DPR’s Commission VIII and other stakeholders, the price for Hajj 2025 has been reduced by approximately Rp4 million compared to the 2024 figures. This cost adjustment was made possible through a thorough examination and optimization of various Hajj-related expenses.
Collaborative Efforts:
A joint working committee comprising the DPR’s Commission VIII and the Ministry of Religious Affairs successfully agreed on the Hajj Operational Cost (BPIH) for the year 1446 H/2025 M, amounting to Rp89,410,258.79. Abdul Wachid, the Chairman of the Hajj Cost Working Committee, disclosed this information during a meeting with Minister Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Minister Romo Syafi’i, and the Director-General of Hajj and Umrah Services, Hilman Latief. The BPIH includes two components: direct charges to pilgrims (Bipih) totaling Rp55,431,750.70 or 62% of the BPIH, and benefits worth Rp33,978,508.01 or 38% of the BPIH.
Cost Breakdown and Consensus:
The breakdown of the BPIH into direct and benefit-related expenses marks a significant step towards achieving President Prabowo’s vision of affordable Hajj trips. Furthermore, the unanimous agreement among the meeting participants underscores the collaborative efforts invested in ensuring a transparent and cost-effective Hajj process. It is important to note that the BPIH for 1446 H/2025 M reflects a decrease from the previous year’s figures, indicating a positive trend towards making the pilgrimage more accessible to a broader spectrum of society.
In conclusion, the alignment between President Prabowo’s aspirations and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ initiatives signifies a pivotal shift towards enhancing the affordability and inclusivity of the Hajj experience for all Indonesians. Through strategic cost-cutting measures and close cooperation with legislative bodies, the government aims to fulfill its commitment to facilitating a sacred journey that is both economically feasible and spiritually enriching for pilgrims nationwide.
