The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) firmly declared it will discipline all travel operators and Hajj and Umrah Worship Guidance Groups (KBIHU) deemed to have deviated from their core functions. This step was taken in response to growing concerns over the widespread practice of worship commodification, which harms prospective domestic pilgrims.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasized that the government will not allow improper business practices to continue expanding. This direction aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's instruction that Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages should not be turned into economic commodities that burden the public, but rather preserve their sacredness and spiritual orientation.
The government highlighted the role of KBIHU, which should function as guidance institutions rather than engaging in business practices beyond their authority. In the near future, the Ministry will tighten the supervision system for all Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK) and travel agencies to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and the safety of funds deposited by prospective pilgrims.
Dahnil added that the government still finds indications of fraud, including the illegal collection of pilgrim funds by certain individuals. With these maximum enforcement policies, the government hopes to provide full protection for the faithful and minimize the risk of financial loss or poor service during the pilgrimage process.
