Commission VIII DPR Calls Umrah Independent Not A Threat To Official Travel

Illustration - Atmosphere of Umrah worship activities. BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI Ashari Tambunan appealed to Hajj and Umrah travelers not to overreact to the implementation of the independent Umrah rule, as stated in the Law on the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah in 2025 which has just been ratified by the government and the DPR.

According to him, the policy is not intended to kill travel businesses, but to expand access and provide flexibility for people who want to worship in a more independent, transparent and efficient way.

This rule actually provides legal certainty for all parties. Entrepreneurs don't panic. The Umrah market in Indonesia still requires professional services, from rituals, accommodation, to technical assistance. The difference is, now people have more diverse choices," said Ashari in a statement to reporters, Saturday, October 25.

The PKB legislator emphasized that changes in regulations must be addressed with positive adaptation, not resistance. He also encouraged travel entrepreneurs to transform from just package sellers to added-value service providers.

A strong travel is one that is able to innovate: strengthen quality standards, ensure the safety of pilgrims, and be transparent in cost. Independent Umrah is meaningless without rules, it requires greater responsibility," he stressed.

Ashari also assessed that the management of Umrah has been facing many problems: I. Among them are weak supervision, short-term business orientation, to the lack of protection for pilgrims when there is a dispute or failure to leave.

We need an integrated monitoring system that includes visas, accommodation, and transportation. No more 'sale cheap' practices, uncertain departures'. Umrah reforms must start from honest and measurable business arrangements," he said.

The former Deli Serdang Regent also asked the Ministry of Religion to immediately issue implementing regulations so that the public understands the procedures for self-isolation in detail, including accommodation requirements, transportation, insurance, and reporting of pilgrims.

"We are not turning off the Umrah business, we are healthy in the ecosystem. If all parties are disciplined and transparent, the congregation will be protected and the industry will be more trusted," he concluded.

As is known, the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Law legalizes an independent Umrah scheme, in which prospective pilgrims can take care of their own journey as long as they meet official requirements regulated by the government and the Government of Saudi Arabia.

This policy is also expected to be able to reduce the practice of fraud and the excessive costs of some irresponsible organizers.