National Hajj Commission Warns of Increased Hajj Costs in 2027 Due to Houthi-Saudi Conflict

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The National Hajj Commission (Komnas Haji) has warned the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to be vigilant about geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the armed conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

The ongoing tensions are seen as a serious challenge that could lead to significant increases in operational costs for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, exceeding initial estimates.

"There is potential for increased costs that have already been determined. The ongoing war situation can lead to changes in the costs set and the contracts made by Kemenhaj with vendors and companies in Saudi Arabia," stated Komnas Haji Chairman Mustolih Siradj to Kompas.com on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

Another challenge is security, as Mustolih noted that the current situation in Saudi Arabia is unpredictable regarding when it might come to an end.

"We pray for it to end soon, but this will pose a unique challenge if the war issues are not resolved as we approach the preparation for Hajj, especially during the Hajj season," he expressed.

Due to these two risks, Komnas Haji urged Kemenhaj to expedite the issuance of a Presidential Decree (Keppres) regarding the Implementation Costs for Hajj (BPIH), which has been mutually agreed upon by the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Hajj Finance Agency (BPKH).

The issuance of this decree is deemed crucial to ensure the legal framework and payment scheme for prospective pilgrims amid the potential for external cost fluctuations.

On the other hand, Komnas Haji appreciates Kemenhaj's efforts in releasing the Hajj Travel Plan (RPH) schedule earlier than in previous years.

This initial step provides Kemenhaj with ample time to finalize contracts for flight services and accommodation in Saudi Arabia to anticipate various technical risks.

2027 Hajj Schedule

As a point of information, the series of Hajj Travel Plans for the year 1448 Hijri/2027 has been established through the Decree of the Director General of Hajj Services Number 26 of 2026.

Based on this regulation, Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to start entering the hajj dormitories on April 10, 2027.

The first wave of departures from Indonesia to Madinah will begin on April 11 and continue until April 25, 2027, followed by the second wave to Jeddah from April 26 to May 10, 2027.

The peak of the Hajj pilgrimage will see pilgrims moving from Mekkah to Arafah on May 14, 2027, with the standing at Arafah on May 15, 2027, Idul Adha on May 16, 2027, and the Tasyrik days from May 17 to 19, 2027.

Meanwhile, the return of the first wave of pilgrims from Jeddah is scheduled from May 21 to June 4, 2027, and the second wave from Madinah from June 5 to June 20, 2027, with an average stay duration for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia ranging from 38 to 40 days.