The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) firmly stated its commitment to carrying out a comprehensive overhaul of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage ecosystem. This step is being taken in response to numerous parties, including travel agencies and Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU), allegedly using the pilgrimages as a business venture to the detriment of the public.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stressed that President Prabowo Subianto's directive is very clear: stop all forms of religious commodification. According to him, the organization of worship must no longer be turned into a commodity that prioritizes material gain over service to the community.
In this enforcement effort, the government will target all involved entities, ranging from travel organizers to KBIHU and Special Hajj Pilgrimage Organizers (PIHK). Dahnil emphasized that each institution must return to its basic function. KBIHU, for example, must focus on worship guidance duties and must not run business activities that deviate from its primary mandate.
In addition to functional reform, Kemenhaj also plans to establish a much stricter supervision system. This aims to provide maximum protection for pilgrims, both in terms of service quality and the security of deposited funds. This preventive measure is essential to minimize fraudulent practices and the illegal collection of pilgrim funds, which are still frequently encountered.
The government hopes that with maximum enforcement, the organization of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages in the future can run more transparently and accountably. The main focus of this policy remains on public protection so that all pilgrims can perform their worship peacefully and safely from financial risks or service issues.
