The cost of performing Hajj could increase for Indonesian pilgrims in 2027 because of higher taxes and rising commodity prices in Saudi Arabia, a senior Indonesian lawmaker has warned. The remarks came as Indonesia reviewed the results of its 2026 pilgrimage operation.
Marwan Dasopang, chair of Commission VIII of Indonesia's House of Representatives, said the pressures on cost could not easily be avoided. "The increase in prices and taxes in Saudi Arabia cannot be avoided, so the cost of the Hajj is likely to rise," he said during a national working meeting on the 2026 Hajj evaluation held at the Hajj Dormitory in Jakarta. His remarks were broadcast on the Ministry of Religious Affairs' YouTube channel.
Efforts to contain the cost
Despite the warning, Marwan said Commission VIII hopes to keep costs from climbing. He noted that lawmakers and the Ministry of Religious Affairs will review the Hajj budget to identify areas where spending can be reduced, pointing to flight costs as one example.
He suggested that Hajj transportation could be handled by a single airline to improve efficiency. However, he acknowledged that existing regulations require Hajj flights to be shared among multiple carriers, a rule that would need to be revisited before any consolidation could take place.
The debate reflects a wider challenge faced by many pilgrim-sending nations, which must balance affordability against the rising cost of accommodation, transport, and catering in the holy cities.
Complaints over accommodation tiers
Marwan also raised concerns about complaints from participants in Indonesia's special Hajj program, a privately managed scheme that typically offers premium services at a higher price. He said some special Hajj pilgrims were dissatisfied after finding that accommodation provided to regular pilgrims in Madinah was of higher quality.
"Resentment has emerged among special Hajj pilgrims because regular pilgrims are now staying in Ring 1 accommodations in Madinah, which in some cases offer better facilities than those provided under the special Hajj program," he said. Ring 1 refers to the accommodation closest to the mosque.
He also highlighted continuing difficulties in managing overcrowding in Mina during the pilgrimage. Marwan called for careful planning of the tanazul policy, which allows certain pilgrims to leave Mina earlier or to stay outside the area to ease congestion, stressing that pilgrims must be properly prepared to take part.
2026 season assessed as an improvement
Overall, Marwan said the organization of the 2026 Hajj was better than the previous year. He cited improvements in domestic preparations, including visa processing and the confirmation of departing pilgrims, while noting that services for Indonesian pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia still need attention.
Indonesia officially concluded its 2026 Hajj operation on July 1 after receiving an official quota of 221,000 pilgrims, one of the largest national contingents. The season began on April 21, with the peak wukuf ritual at Arafah taking place on May 26, and repatriation of pilgrims wrapping up around the end of June.
For Indonesians planning to save toward a future pilgrimage, the warning is a reminder to budget with some margin for cost increases and to weigh the trade-offs between the regular and special Hajj schemes carefully. Confirming exactly what a package includes, particularly accommodation distance from the mosque, can help pilgrims avoid disappointment.
A long queue and a heavy responsibility
Indonesia consistently receives the single largest Hajj quota in the world, reflecting its position as the most populous Muslim-majority nation. Even so, demand far exceeds supply, and prospective pilgrims can wait many years for their turn. That long queue makes cost predictability especially important, since families often save for decades before departing.
The evaluation now underway will shape how Indonesia negotiates and prepares for 2027. Lawmakers and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are expected to hold joint discussions once the ministry's official assessment is complete, weighing where efficiencies can offset external cost pressures. For pilgrims, the practical takeaway is to follow official announcements on the coming year's cost structure and to confirm details of their scheme before committing funds.