Fairness of Haj Pilgrimage Costs

The public understands that there is an increase in the costs of aviation/transportation, charter costs, accommodation in Mecca and Medina and catering. It is reasonable. However, is the increase that big?

The government, through Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has proposed to set the cost of the haj pilgrimage in 1444 H/2023 AD at Rp 69.19 million per participant. The cost has nearly doubled from 2022’s price of Rp 39.89 million.

This is to pay for (1) round trip flights to and from Saudi Arabia at the price of Rp 33.98 million, (2) accommodation in Mecca at the price of Rp 18.77 million, (3) accommodation in Medina for Rp 5.6 million, (4) living costs of Rp 4.08 million, (5) visa costs of Rp 1.22 million and (6) a Masyair (travel from Mecca to Mount Arafat and accomodation) service package of Rp 5.54 million.