Only 2% of East Java’s 41 Million Muslims Have Registered for Hajj, BPKH Sees Potential for 1.3 Million More

East Java has an estimated 1.3 million potential Hajj pilgrims who have not yet been reached effectively, according to Indonesia’s Hajj Finance Management Agency, or BPKH.

Harry Alexander, a member of BPKH’s executive board, said about 2% of East Java’s 41 million Muslims had registered for Hajj. The figure remains below the levels recorded in South Sulawesi, at 4%, and Malaysia, at 20%.

The financial potential is also significant. If the additional 1.3 million people register, their initial deposits could bring Rp30 trillion to Islamic banks. Each prospective pilgrim must pay an initial deposit of Rp25 million when registering.

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There is potential for around 1.3 million more pilgrims that we can attract in East Java alone.

Those deposits could help increase the market share of Islamic banking, which currently stands at 8%. “This condition places East Java as a major pool of potential that has not been optimally developed,” Harry said.

BPKH identified several reasons for the low registration rate. Some people still view Hajj as an obligation for older adults, leading younger generations to delay registration. Many workers also wait until their retirement funds become available, although the current BPJS Employment system does not allow withdrawals for Hajj expenses.

Harry also cited uneven understanding of the obligation to perform Hajj, despite East Java’s reputation as a region with many Islamic boarding schools. BPKH is seeking to expand access partly through digital services on the BPKH Apps platform.

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This condition places East Java as a major pool of potential that has not been optimally developed.