Indonesian Muslim Leader Backs Hajj Financing Shift, Cites BPKH Management

The leader of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), has expressed support for a proposed change in the financing structure for the Hajj pilgrimage. The current proposal suggests pilgrims would cover 40% of the Hajj costs, with the remaining 60% coming from the benefits generated by the Hajj fund.

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Yes, if the Hajj pilgrims are grateful, they pay less for Hajj.

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, the General Chairman of PBNU, indicated that this shift could be beneficial for prospective pilgrims if it results in lower out-of-pocket expenses. "Yes, if the Hajj pilgrims are grateful, they pay less for Hajj," Gus Yahya commented on the proposal.

However, Gus Yahya emphasized that the practical implementation of this new financing scheme hinges entirely on the government and the Hajj Financial Management Agency's (BPKH) capacity to manage the Hajj funds. He stated that the BPKH, as the custodian of these funds, is best positioned to determine the viability of the 60-40 split.

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The government's calculation is the government's calculation regarding how the management of Hajj financial management itself can be carried out so that the 60-40 reversal scheme becomes feasible. I think that's it.

Previously, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah proposed this adjustment for the 1448 Hijriah/2027 Masehi Hajj season. This contrasts with previous seasons where pilgrims directly paid approximately 61% of the costs, with the remaining 39% sourced from the Hajj fund's benefits. The proposed reversal aims to ease the financial burden on pilgrims.

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BPKH can answer that, can know how the money is, what it's like. So it depends on BPKH.