Amid Self-Organized Umrah Controversy, Lawmaker Warns Digital Convenience Must Not Eliminate Oversight.

The digital transformation in umrah services has entered a new chapter. Through the Nusuk Umrah platform, pilgrims can register for umrah independently without going through travel organizers. However, this convenience has sparked debate among the public and the religious travel industry.

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dini, stated that the independent umrah system represents a significant change in the umrah service ecosystem.

Nevertheless, she warned that digital accessibility should not eliminate responsibility and protection for pilgrims.

"The government must still ensure mechanisms for supervision, verification, and risk mitigation, both for pilgrims departing independently and through organizers," Dini stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to her, every policy concerning religious affairs must prioritize the safety, security, and protection of pilgrims. She emphasized that digitalization of services must not proceed without adequate oversight.

Dini urged the government to promptly formulate implementing regulations that can balance digital innovation with the sustainability of the national umrah travel industry.

"If the independent umrah scheme is allowed without clear implementing regulations, the economic benefits could flow overseas. Meanwhile, the national umrah travel industry will lose competitiveness," she said.

Commission VIII of the DPR will continue to oversee the digital transformation in umrah services to ensure it doesn't create new victims in the field, whether among pilgrims or business operators.

She believes digitalization should serve as a tool to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the quality of service for the congregation, not create new avenues for problems.

"This transformation must become a means to improve efficiency, transparency, and service for the congregation," she stressed.

On the other hand, Dini understands the concerns raised by the Association of Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Organizers (Amphuri) and other associations. She respects the legal steps taken by the associations by filing a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court.

However, from the DPR's perspective, Dini believes the Law on the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah (UU PIHU) can still be optimized through more detailed implementing regulations, rather than by directly revising the law itself.

"The UU PIHU can still be optimized through more detailed implementing regulations; it doesn't need immediate revision," she concluded. (Antara)