SEAToday.com, Denpasar - The government is currently evaluating options to further reduce the cost of the hajj pilgrimage, with support from the Saudi Arabian government.

"The hajj cost is being calculated because the Saudi government will assist us by providing a dedicated area," said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan in Denpasar, Bali, on Monday evening (1/13) as quoted from ANTARA.

However, Budi has not yet provided details on the implementation of this potential reduction. According to him, with support from Saudi Arabia, Indonesian pilgrims will be allocated a special area, increasing capacity while potentially lowering hajj travel expenses.

Previously, the Hajj Cost Working Committee (Panja Biaya Haji) of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII and the government had approved the 2025 Hajj Cost (BPIH) at IDR 89.4 million. Of this amount, pilgrims will pay IDR 55.4 million per person, with the remainder covered by investment returns.

Chairman of Commission VIII, Marwan Dasopang, revealed that the 2025 BPIH is approximately IDR 4 million lower than in 2024. Moreover, during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, Marwan stated that the president signaled the possibility of further reducing hajj costs.

"The president expressed his gratitude to the working committee members, but it seems he is still not satisfied and hopes the costs can be reduced even further," Marwan said in Jakarta on Tuesday (Jan. 7).

He added that the burden on prospective pilgrims could decrease by approximately IDR 600,000, while the allocation of investment returns could be reduced from IDR 8 trillion to around IDR 6.8 trillion.

Furthermore, the Hajj Cost Working Committee emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the implementation of hajj cost policies. This oversight will cover various aspects, including the waiting list, integrated computer systems, hajj quotas, and ensuring pilgrims’ rights are fulfilled.

The proposed cost reduction is expected to ease the financial burden on pilgrims while enhancing the efficiency of hajj operations.