Ministry of Hajj and Umrah tightens travel licensing and oversight

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is tightening licensing and oversight for Umrah travel organizers (PPIU) following findings of widespread non-compliance. A review of 3,631 organizers revealed that nearly 50 percent are currently inactive. Officials noted that compliance and legality levels are split roughly 50-50, citing risks of fraud or pilgrims being stranded at airports due to regulatory violations.

Of the approximately 1,500 inactive organizers, about 200 have been blocked for failing to obtain certification, while another 60 were blocked due to inactivity.

In a separate disciplinary action, the Ministry has blacklisted a muthawif (religious guide) for violating service ethics after viral social media content showed the individual mocking elderly pilgrims. Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed that such misconduct will result in the suspension of activity permits to ensure the integrity of pilgrim guidance.