Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, The surge in the United States (US) dollar exchange rate which has reached the psychological level of IDR 17,000 has begun to trigger great concern about the increase in the cost of the 2026 Hajj. Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI, Marwan Dasopang, revealed that the operational budget for the Hajj in 1447 AH has the potential to swell to IDR 1 trillion. Apart from the weakening Rupiah, the surge in world aviation fuel prices which has almost doubled is the main cause of the need to adjust the budget from the initial agreement of the DPR Hajj Working Committee (Panja).This global economic uncertainty has forced the government to rack its brains in finding a scheme to cover the cost difference. Considering that there is no subsidy allocation from the APBN, the DPR is currently reviewing the use of benefit funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). This step is crucial to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Hajj, as well as finding technical solutions with airlines so that the pilgrims' departure schedule is not disrupted by extreme exchange rate volatility.
The news regarding the potential for the cost of the 2026 Hajj to increase immediately became a hot topic for thousands of prospective pilgrims from Karawang Regency. As one of the regions with the largest departure quota in West Java, any changes to the Hajj travel costs (BPIH) policy are very sensitive for local residents. Prospective pilgrims in Karawang, who are dominated by industrial workers, farmers and ASN, are now waiting for certainty regarding the nominal payment for the Hajj so as not to burden their families' financial conditions amidst rising prices of basic necessities.Responding to this concern, the Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, emphasized his commitment to protecting the pockets of the congregation. The party is making every effort to ensure that the increase in costs due to aviation fuel prices or the dollar exchange rate is not charged as an additional deposit for the congregation. "God willing, we will try not to increase costs for the congregation. That is our effort," he stressed. This statement is a breath of fresh air for the congregation in Karawang who are really hoping for a targeted Hajj subsidy scheme from the central government.Transparency regarding the 2026 Hajj payment figures is now the main key to maintaining conduciveness at the regional level. Karawang residents are advised to remain calm and monitor official information from the Ministry of Hajj and BPKH to avoid confusing information. The government's success in reducing the impact of the rising dollar will determine inner peace for God's guests from the Karawang industrial area who have been waiting for years for the holy moment of departure to the Holy Land.
