The Ministry Of Religion Wants A Certified Hajj Guideline!

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Hajj supervisors must have a certificate to improve the quality of professional and standardized rituals.

"The supervisors must have a Hajj supervisory certificate," said Director of Hajj at the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion, Arsad Hidayat, Monday, September 26.

Arsyad's statement was made when holding a certification for Hajj and Umrah supervisors at the Mataram City Hajj Dormitory, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), from 19 to 28 September 2022.

Arsad said Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah had mandated the Ministry of Religion to provide guidance. One of the efforts made is to carry out certification of officers and Hajj supervisors.

He hopes that by conducting certification, it can produce professional hajj officers and supervisors. The certification process cooperates with a number of State Islamic Universities.

"In the future it is non-negotiable, those who are the supervisors are professional supervisors. Who? They are people who already have certificates," he said as quoted by Antara.

According to him, the law also mandates every Hajj and Umrah, PPIU or PIHK provider to have a Hajj or Umrah guide who has a certificate.

"Our Hajj and Umrah organizers are required to have a certified supervisor as well," he said.

Certification of Hajj and Umrah service supervisors lasted 10 days from 19 to 28 September 2022. This activity was attended by 40 participants from various elements such as the NTB Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion, Counselers, Hajj and Umrah Worship Guidance Groups, as well as elements of the KUA (Religious Affairs Office).

The certification process begins with an initial exam, material deepening, and final exams. The participants who do not pass, are not given a certificate and have not been able to become Hajj and Umrah supervisors.

"Those who take part in certification must also meet the requirements, such as having a pilgrimage, at least a bachelor's degree, and other related experiences," he said.