Allegations Of Extortion In The Wukuf Safari Program Appears, BP Haji Promises To Take Strict Action On Persons

JAKARTA - The Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Hajj) found indications of the alleged illegal levies (extortion) of Safari Wukuf which according to the narrative of pilgrims were carried out by unscrupulous groups of Hajj guidance (KBIH) who were not official government hajj officers.

"We will carry out the tabayun process or clarification to related parties first to validate the statement from the congregation," said BP Haji Expert Rachmat Tri Fahmi as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 10.

The Wukuf Elderly Safari service is a special facility provided free of charge by the government. This Wukuf Safari allows pilgrims who are physically unable to carry out the hajj pillars, especially wusuf in Arafah, facilitated by a bus fleet.

The congregation was taken from the transit hotel to Padang Arafah at a time that had been determined with the assistance of medical personnel and Hajj officers.

Fahmi said this confirmation process is important to ensure the accuracy of information before further action is taken.

The Wukuf Elderly Safari program itself has been going on since 2023, and is now entering its third year of implementation. This service is intended for the elderly, has a high medical risk, and is in a worrying health condition.

Fahmi emphasized that the practice of levies in any form against this service is a serious violation that tarnishes the collective spirit of organizing the pilgrimage with integrity.

"We are committed to organizing accountable, transparent and excellent Hajj services. Against these individuals who tarnish this mandate, we will act decisively," he said.

BP Haji also expressed his high appreciation to all officers of the Wukuf Elderly Safari Task Force who have worked with dedication during the 2025 Hajj season.

"We assess that the officers have carried out their duties professionally and show integrity in serving the congregation in the field," he said.

As a strategic step forward, BP Haji will evaluate the implementation of the 2025 Hajj. This evaluation will be an important foundation in preparing for the 2026 Hajj, which is completely under the authority of BP Haji.

"Evaluation of governance, supervision, and service systems will be an important provision for us to strengthen the next year's Hajj implementation system," said Fahmi.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion, Hilman Latief, ensured that the Safari Wukuf program did not charge any fees. This program is indeed prepared by the government for elderly pilgrims to high risk.

"This program has been running for years and God willing, we will not charge any fees. No fees will be collected from the congregation," said Hilman.

Regarding the news circulating about the alleged levy, Hilman explained that this generally happened outside the context of Safari Wukuf.

He said that communication between pilgrims and guides from KBIH or certain organizations could cause expenditure, for example for wheelchair thrust services when carrying out mandatory Umrah, sunnah Umrah, or other activities at the Grand Mosque.

However, Hilman reiterated that the government did not attract any fees for the implementation of Safari Wukuf. The congregation who participated in this program will be picked up and escorted back to the hotel by officers for free.

"For Safari Wukuf, the government does not charge any fees," he said.