Independent Umrah Polemic: Gov't Assures Pilgrim Protection, Business Players Worry About Impact

The independent umrah regulation stipulated in Law Number 14 of 2025 concerning the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah has sparked a polemic between the government and religious travel businesses. The government calls this policy an adaptive step towards the dynamics of Saudi Arabian policies. Meanwhile, the organizer association assesses that the regulation has the potential to threaten the ummah's economic ecosystem.

“The dynamics of Saudi Arabian policy are unavoidable. Therefore, regulations are needed to provide protection for our independent umrah pilgrims, as well as to protect the economic ecosystem,” said Wamenhaj Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak in Jakarta on Saturday.

According to Dahnil, the practice of independent umrah had actually been occurring in the field long before the law was enacted. Now, this regulation provides a strong legal basis to ensure its implementation in terms of security, pilgrim protection, and administrative order.

Article 86 paragraph (1) letter b of the Law states that umrah pilgrimages can be carried out independently. Meanwhile, Article 87A stipulates several requirements, including the obligation to have a passport, round-trip ticket, health certificate, visa, and proof of service purchase registered through the Ministry's Information System.

“Through this system, independent umrah data and transactions will be integrated with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Nusuk platform. This is a form of state protection for Indonesian citizens performing independent umrah abroad,” said Dahnil.

The government also guarantees the rights of independent umrah pilgrims to receive services according to written agreements, as well as firm sanctions for parties who misuse this mechanism.

“Any person who without right takes part or all of the pilgrim's deposit can also be imprisoned for up to eight years and fined similarly,” he emphasized.

Dahnil ensured that this scheme is personal and cannot be used to gather pilgrims collectively.

“Independent umrah is carried out by individuals who register and are recorded directly in the Ministry's system. This is not a loophole to act as an unlicensed organizer,” he stated.

Business Players' Concerns

On the other hand, the Association of Indonesian Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organizers (Amphuri) voiced concern over the emergence of the term independent umrah in the Law.

“If the legalization of independent umrah is truly implemented without restrictions, a domino effect will occur,” said Amphuri Secretary General Zaky Zakariya in Jakarta on Friday.

Zaky assessed that the concept of independent umrah might seem to offer freedom, but actually carries significant risks.

“If there is a failure to depart, fraud, or misfortunes such as lost luggage and visa delays, there is no party that can be held accountable,” he said.

Furthermore, he also warned of the risk of violating regulations in Saudi Arabia due to the lack of accompaniment.

“History records many cases of umrah and hajj fraud, including the major tragedy in 2016 when over 120,000 people failed to depart. Even with strict supervision, fraud still occurs, let alone if independent umrah practices are legalized,” he explained.

Moreover, Zaky worried about the potential entry of global travel platforms that could sell packages directly to the Indonesian public without involving local organizers.

“If this is allowed, the ummah's economic sovereignty will be eroded. Public funds will flow abroad, while millions of domestic workers lose their livelihoods,” he said.

He explained that the hajj and umrah sector currently absorbs more than 4.2 million workers, ranging from worship guides to MSME players.

“If the role of religious institutions such as Islamic boarding schools, Islamic mass organizations, and PPIU (Religious Affairs Office for Hajj and Umrah Services) is neglected, then the spiritual values that have always accompanied the pilgrimage journey will disappear. Umrah could turn into merely a digital transaction without spiritual meaning,” he said.

Amphuri is urging the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) through Commission VIII to provide clear technical limitations so that the implementation of independent umrah does not damage the ummah ecosystem that has been built. (Antara)