JAKARTA - The Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU) industry is now facing a double challenge. In addition to the 'independent umrah' trend, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East between the United States-Israel against Iran has begun to have a real impact on the smooth performance of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The Chairman of the Central Board of Trustees of the Association of Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organizers of the Republic of Indonesia (DPP AMPHURI), Firman M Nur, revealed that the closure of airspace by a number of countries had triggered route changes to flight cancellations.
"This condition has a direct impact on the departure and return schedule of Indonesian pilgrims. Although Saudi Arabia stated that the situation remained safe, high vigilance was still in effect," said Firman in the Interactive Dialogue for Mitigating Umrah in the Middle of Global Conflicts which was coupled with a Member Meeting and Breaking Fast Together at Aston Kartika, West Jakarta, Wednesday, March 4.
State Protection-Free Risk for Independent Umrah
Firman highlighted the vulnerability of pilgrims who choose the independent umrah route. Based on Law Number 14 of 2025 Article 96 paragraph (5), the state provides legal protection, security, and life insurance for official pilgrims, but excludes independent pilgrims in several crucial points.
"What will happen to them if there is a unilateral cancellation by the airline or hotel due to war? They risk not getting state protection and insurance claims can be rejected for reasons of force majeure," said Firman.
As a concrete step, AMPHURI has filed a request for a material test or Judicial Review (JR) against Law Number 14 of 2025 to the Constitutional Court (MK).
The Legal Counsel and Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the AMPHURI DPP, Firman Adi Candra, explained that this step was called "Constitutional Jihad". The goal is not to limit the rights of citizens, but to ensure that the state is present to provide equal protection for all congregations without exception.
Some of the main points that were tested at the Constitutional Court include:
Equality before the Law: Referring to Article 27 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution. Legal certainty: Avoid fragmentation of protection for congregations. State Responsibility: Ensure the safety of citizens while outside the territory of Indonesia."We want to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the state's responsibility in protecting its people who are worshiping," added Firman Candra.
Hope for Middle East Geopolitics
Secretary General of the DPP AMPHURI, Zaky Zakariya Anshary, added that AMPHURI remained committed to being a strategic partner of the government. He hopes that the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will soon subside, given that the 1447H/2026 Hajj season is in sight.
"This constitutional jihad is a bridge of progress. Umrah is an ibadah that must be maintained its purity, and PPIU is present as a servant of the people to ensure that the journey is safe and mabrur," concluded Zaky.
This solemn event was also filled with tausiyah by Ustadz Das'ad Latif and the provision of assistance to orphans and dhuafa.
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