Indonesia Tightens Licensing Rules for Umrah Travel Organizers

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is strengthening protections for prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by requiring Umrah travel organizers (PPIUs) to hold official licenses, maintain accreditation, and meet minimum service standards. The measure aims to prevent fraud, abandonment, and problems related to departure and return.

Director of Special Hajj and Umrah Guidance at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Akhmad Fauzin, said unlicensed travel agencies are still being found offering Umrah packages, leading to cases of abandonment, failed departures or returns, and fraud.

“Practices such as borrowing licenses, promoting fictitious packages, misleading advertising, and non‑transparent contracts are strictly prohibited and will be met with firm sanctions,” Fauzin said in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as reported by Antara.

He emphasized that regulatory compliance is essential to protecting the public and ensuring the orderly conduct of Umrah pilgrimages. Licensed PPIUs must comply with government regulations and operate under the established oversight mechanism. Accreditation also serves as a reference for the public when assessing service quality.

“Umrah is not merely a travel business. It is an act of worship, a public service, and an economic ecosystem that must operate under orderly, transparent, and accountable governance. Synergy between the government and PPIUs must be grounded in legal compliance and pilgrim protection,” he said.

Fauzin also warned travel agencies against engaging in price wars that could compromise service quality. Package prices must be realistic and include guaranteed components such as visas, round‑trip flight tickets, accommodation, meals, transportation, and confirmed services provided by syarikah (service providers) in Saudi Arabia.

Director of Hajj and Umrah Supervision at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ahmad Abdullah, stressed that the government will take firm action against any PPIU or individual proven to organize Umrah pilgrimages without a permit or engage in activities that harm pilgrims.

“There must be no room for illegal Umrah organizing practices that jeopardize safety, guaranteed departure, or the rights of the public,” he said.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also urges the public to verify the legitimacy of travel organizers, ensure payments are made only to licensed companies, and check departure schedules, visa status, and organizer legality through official ministry services before making any transactions. ***