TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is calling for the establishment of a joint venture between Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines to optimize Hajj operations and reduce the costs.
According to Prabowo, Hajj flight practices have long been considered uneconomical. Garuda Indonesia aircraft often return empty after flying Hajj pilgrims, as do Saudi Airlines's flights.
"Why not collaborate? Create a subsidiary with a 50 percent Saudi Arabian and 50 percent Indonesian ownership. The flights to Saudi Arabia and Indonesia will be full. We can cut the cost and save time," he said during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Prabowo said he had given this instruction to the President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Glenny Kairupan, and the executives of the sovereign wealth fund Danantara, a while back.
"I have instructed them to approach Saudi Air so that Garuda and Saudi Air can establish a joint venture,' said Prabowo, while urging his aides to act upon this directive swiftly.
"I gave the order around two months ago. We must move quickly," he said, adding that he would meet with Garuda Indonesia's CEO later.
During the same occasion, Prabowo also expressed his commitment to reduce Hajj cost, stating that this year it would be reduced by Rp2 million despite the rising jet fuel prices amid the war in the Middle East.
Prabowo's statement referred to the determination of the 2026 Hajj Service Fees or BPIH at Rp87.4 million per pilgrim, down from last year's Rp89.4 million. This was agreed during a meeting with the House of Representatives on October 29, 2025.
Dian Rahma Fika Alnina contributed to the writing of this article.
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