The Cost of Hajj 2025 Can Still Decrease by Rp11 Million, Here's What You Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - Good news for prospective Hajj pilgrims! The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has proposed a reduction in the Cost of Organizing Hajj Worship (BPIH) for the year 2025, which is estimated to decrease by up to Rp11 million from the initial figure of Rp93.3 million. This step certainly brings fresh air for those who wish to perform Hajj without being burdened by excessively high costs, while still prioritizing satisfactory service quality.

The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Muhammad Syafi'i, explained that the main focus of cost efficiency lies in the transportation and accommodation sectors, which still have room for streamlining. Kemenag has also partnered with the Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) to create a more competitive system in price determination, so that Hajj costs can become more rational and economical.

With the support of President Prabowo Subianto in reducing aviation fuel costs and improving the logistics system, the hope for a decrease in Hajj costs is getting closer to reality. This article will thoroughly discuss the government's steps in designing cost efficiency, predictions for tariff reductions, and their impact on prospective Hajj pilgrims in 2025. Stay tuned for the complete information summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Tuesday (31/12).

1. Cut Operational Costs up to Aircraft Fuel

The Ministry of Religious Affairs proposed the cost of Hajj in 2025 to be Rp93,389,684.99, which is lower than last year's cost of Rp94,385,382.51. However, the government's optimism remains strong, as they aim for a reduction of up to Rp11 million, bringing the cost that pilgrims have to bear closer to Rp80 million.

This efficiency effort is carried out by reducing operational costs, including negotiating airfare and accommodation prices. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Pertamina to adjust jet fuel prices to reduce flight costs.

Additionally, the management of hotels and facilities in Saudi Arabia will be reviewed to ensure greater efficiency, with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hajj Agency currently evaluating service contracts in strategic locations such as Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims is maintained.

"If we have already reduced (the cost of Hajj 2025) from the start, it seems like the DPR just needs to agree. We are confident we can reduce it by up to Rp 11 million," said Deputy Minister Romo Syafi'i, as reported by News Liputan6.com.

2. Transportation and Accommodation Efficiency to Reduce Costs

One of the strategic steps to reduce the costs of Hajj 2025 is to improve efficiency in air transportation, which has been the largest burden on the budget. The government is currently actively negotiating with various airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, to lower ticket prices through subsidies or profit margin reductions.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is also designing an open auction system for accommodation providers in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to stimulate healthy competition and offer more competitive prices without compromising service quality for the pilgrims.

Not only that, but focus will also be given to optimizing catering services and ground transportation in the Holy Land, with a more realistic approach to avoid waste. All these efforts are expected to gradually reduce costs while still maintaining high service standards.

3. Use the Latest Technology to Streamline Administrative Processes

Starting in 2025, the Hajj Agency will take over control of the Hajj pilgrimage organization with a new spirit that is more flexible and efficient.

Although the Ministry of Religious Affairs will still be involved in this transition, the Hajj Agency is expected to become an independent institution capable of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the service contract system in Saudi Arabia, including negotiating hotel and catering prices that were previously handled by the Ministry. With this step, transparency and accountability in budget management are expected to improve.

Moreover, the Hajj Agency will also utilize cutting-edge technology to streamline the administrative processes of registration and monitoring of pilgrims, so that operational costs can be reduced and services to pilgrims can be optimized.

4. Rupiah Exchange Rate and Dollar Fluctuations Are Challenges

The cost of Hajj is influenced by various factors, especially the exchange rate of the rupiah against the US dollar and the Saudi Riyal. To anticipate potential exchange rate fluctuations, the government has set an exchange rate assumption of Rp16,000 per US dollar as a reference for calculating the Hajj cost in 2025.

In addition, another challenge arises from the rising prices of services in Saudi Arabia, including accommodation and transportation. However, with the increasing competition among service providers in the Holy Land, it is hoped that more competitive prices can significantly help reduce Hajj costs.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs, together with the Hajj Agency, continues to strive to coordinate with partners in Saudi Arabia to maintain price stability and ensure the availability of adequate services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

5. Always Prioritize Quality Service Assurance Amid Cost Reductions

In an effort to reduce hajj costs without compromising quality, the government is committed to maintaining the comfort and safety of pilgrims. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, emphasized that the main focus is to create a more comfortable, peaceful, and certainly more affordable worship experience.

"We want hajj pilgrims to feel comfortable without having to pay a high price, and being inexpensive does not mean reducing service," he said after a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

To that end, air transportation services will continue to use airlines that have high safety standards, while accommodations will be selected from strategically located hotels with adequate facilities.

With these measures, it is hoped that pilgrims can carry out their worship with devotion, while lower costs make the hajj journey more accessible to the community.

6. What is the estimated cost of Hajj 2025?

The government has proposed a budget of Rp93.3 million, but thanks to careful efficiency efforts, this cost has the potential to decrease to Rp80 million.

7. What are the main factors for the decrease in Hajj costs?

The government is now focusing on efforts to optimize the efficiency of flight ticket costs, accommodation, and catering, in order to provide the best experience for the public.

8. Will the quality of services decline?

There is no need to worry! The government firmly assures that even though the costs incurred are more affordable, the quality of services and products will remain well maintained.

(kpl/rmt)