Sumatra Barat Ministry of Hajj finds unlicensed Umrah travel agencies

The West Sumatra Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah conducted a surprise inspection at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) on November 2, 2026, to monitor the departure of over 700 Umrah pilgrims.

During the inspection, officials identified several travel agencies suspected of operating without official Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU) licenses. Specifically, five agencies—Singgalang, Asafi Tour, Al Hijaz, Prima Astuti Sejahtera, and Hayat—were found allegedly using the identities or attributes of legally registered companies to facilitate departures. These agencies reportedly utilized licenses from companies such as PT Tri Muda Karya Wisata, PT Amanah Safari Internasional, PT Berlian Mulia Parama, PT Rajawali Arya Nusantara, and PT Arasy Bungo Mandiri.

Muhammad Rifki, Head of the Ministry's Division of Development and Control, noted that the investigation also covered agencies from Bengkulu and Jambi. While approximately 13 agencies were involved in departures that day, officials emphasized that enforcement actions will target the travel agencies rather than the pilgrims, who are often unaware of the providers' licensing status.