Police Summon Situbondo Ministry Of Religion Regarding Alleged Fraud By Umrah Bureau

Kasi Haji dan Umrah Kementerian Agama Kabupaten Situbondo, Jawa Timur, Adi Ariyanto memberikan keterangan. Senin (20/1/2025) ANTARA/Novi Husdinariyanto

The Situbondo Police, East Java, examined representatives of the local Ministry of Religion's Office in order to investigate cases of alleged fraud by a number of prospective Umrah pilgrims by one of the local Umrah travel service bureaus.

Kasi Haji and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion of Situbondo Regency Adi Ariyanto admitted that they had complied with the summons of police investigators and provided information about the legality of the Umrah travel service bureau in Situbondo.

"It is true that a few days ago I was asked for information regarding the number of Umrah travel service bureaus whose legality is clear," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 13.

Not only the legality of the Umrah travel service bureau, continued Adi Ariyanto, the police also asked for information regarding the standard for Umrah costs.

"Including that I was asked for information regarding the standard of the cost of Umrah. Actually, the minimum cost of Umrah is Rp. 20 million, it can be more expensive, depending on the hotel as well," he said.

Adi Ariyanto revealed that seven Umrah travel service bureaus were registered at the Ministry of Religion of Situbondo Regency, namely PT Hafas, PT Zamzam, Alipateha, Rosana, Rukhlah Syahida, Zajiwah, and Anamiroh.

"There are only two head offices in Situbondo, Hafas and Zamzam, while the other five Umrah travel service bureaus are branches," he said.

Previously, a number of people who claimed to be victims of alleged fraud by one of the Umrah travel service bureaus in Situbondo had not been dispatched to the Holy Land of Mecca, even though they had paid in full.

Head of the Situbondo Police Satreskrim AKP Evandy Romi Meilan said the police were investigating the alleged fraud of one of the Umrah travel service bureaus, which was a 2024 report.

"First, there are four people (candidates for Umrah pilgrims) reporting, adding six more people as a result of development," he said.

Ten prospective Umrah pilgrims suspected of being victims of fraud have been questioned by the Situbondo Police Satreskrim investigators.

The police also continue to collect information and evidence, such as payment receipts and other evidence from the complainant.