Indonesia Defends Independent Umrah Legalization Amid Business Protests
The Indonesian government, through the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has reiterated that the legalization of independent Umrah is a deliberate and unavoidable policy response. Citing Law Number 14 of 2025 on the Organization of Hajj and Umrah, he described opposition from business associations as a normal reaction to a sweeping regulatory change. The remarks came as stakeholders discussed potential legal challenges at the Constitutional Court, underscoring the high stakes involved in aligning national policy with evolving international travel regulations.
“Their concern is justified,” Dahnil acknowledged, noting that the core worry among associations is the potential loss of pilgrims who previously relied on traditional organizing structures. Yet he insisted that the law’s framework is designed to safeguard pilgrims’ rights and to harmonize Indonesian practices with Saudi policies that already opened doors to independent Umrah.
Policy Rationale and Timely Update for the Market
Speaking at the Complex of the People’s Consultative Assembly in Jakarta on Monday, 27 October 2025, Dahnil urged Umrah service providers to stay informed about policy shifts—especially those influenced by Saudi Arabia’s regulatory stance. He argued that Saudi authorities had begun allowing independent Umrah well before the 2025 reforms, signaling a global trend toward self-managed pilgrimages that Indonesia is now formalizing through law.
According to Dahnil, the legalization aims to protect pilgrims by establishing a regulated pathway for independent Umrah registration via digital identification cards. He emphasized the government’s readiness to adapt to digital and market-driven changes, noting that even younger generations are increasingly capable of handling their travel arrangements independently. “Young people like all of you, including me as a young person, can manage the process themselves, and it cannot be stopped,” he said, reflecting a broader push toward modernization in the sector.
Ensuring Quality, Security, and Consumer Protection
Beyond access, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the ministry’s oversight would focus on maintaining service quality and protecting travelers from moral hazard. He referenced specific provisions in Law 14 of 2025 that prohibit mobilizing others for Umrah without a valid PPIU (Umrah Travel Organizer) permit, framing violations as criminal offenses. By tightening controls now, he argued, Indonesia can avert a range of risks from the outset and align with international best practices in the travel industry.
Dahnil’s comments reflect a broader government strategy to balance market openness with consumer protection and industry sustainability. He acknowledged market competition as a reality and stressed that the government will actively manage risks associated with independent Umrah to prevent erosion of the traditional Hajj ecosystem where many travel entrepreneurs rely on PPIUs for livelihoods.
Industry Voices: Concerns and Potential Litigation
In contrast, Nur Faizin, Chairman of the Amanah Umrah and Hajj Association of Indonesia (Ashuri), warned that independent Umrah could bring unintended consequences if implemented without well-developed derivative regulations. He outlined several concerns: potential abuse of independent Umrah for non-pilgrim purposes, insufficient safety and protection guarantees for pilgrims, and negative impacts on the sustainability of PPIUs that currently support the ecosystem. Faizin noted that a broader coalition—13 associations in total—was considering challenging certain articles of Law 14/2025 at the Constitutional Court.
While Faizin did not specify which provisions might face legal scrutiny, his remarks underscored the tension between regulatory reform and the livelihoods of industry players. He urged the government to maintain a stance grounded in the existing Umrah service policy administered through PPIUs rather than embracing a Saudi-influenced framework that could alter the competitive landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Path Toward Safer, Efficient Pilgrimage Services
As Indonesia implements Law 14/2025, observers will be watching how enforcement, compliance, and consumer protections unfold in practice. The government’s dual aim—to expand access to independent Umrah while preventing abuse and maintaining industry viability—will require robust monitoring, transparent enforcement, and ongoing dialogue with the business community. The debate also signals a broader global trend: pilgrims increasingly expect flexible, digitally integrated travel options that still adhere to rigorous safety and ethical standards.
For now, Dahnil’s call to adapt and stay informed reflects a government that believes modernization and pilgrim protection can coexist. The coming months will determine how well the Indonesian system can balance entrepreneurial opportunity with accountability, and how the industry responds to a new era of independent Umrah within a unified regulatory framework.
