SANTRI EN – Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) will collaborate with Umrah Hajj Travel Organizers (PPIU) to disseminate the prohibition of independent and backpacker umrah to the public.
“This socialization is important to raise public awareness about umrah regulations in Indonesia,” said Director of Umrah and Hajj Special Bina at Kemenag, Jaja Jaelani, in a written statement on Monday (19/2/2024).
Jaja explained that Kemenag will cooperate with PPIU to carry out socialization through various media, such as lectures, seminars, and social media.
“We will also involve PPIU in the preparation of socialization materials,” said Jaja. “So that the material presented can be more easily understood by the public.”
Jaja hopes that with this socialization, there will be no more pilgrims who perform independent or backpacker umrah.
“We want all umrah pilgrims to be able to carry out their worship safely and comfortably,” said Jaja.
PPIU Supports Prohibition of Independent and Backpacker Umrah
Meanwhile, PPIU stated that it supports the prohibition of independent and backpacker umrah imposed by Kemenag.
“We fully support this ban,” said Chairman of the Association of Umrah Hajj Travel Organizers (ASPIU) Zulkifli Said. “Independent and backpacker umrah are high-risk for the safety of pilgrims.”
Zulkifli explained that PPIU has the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the umrah pilgrimage.
“Starting from visa processing, flights, accommodation, to assistance while in the Holy Land,” said Zulkifli.
Zulkifli appealed to the public who want to perform umrah to use the services of an official PPIU registered with Kemenag.
“Don’t be easily tempted by the cheap prices offered by unclear PPIUs,” said Zulkifli. “Make sure all travel documents are complete and valid.”
Impact of Prohibition of Independent and Backpacker Umrah
The prohibition of independent and backpacker umrah is predicted to have an impact on several things, including:
- Decrease in the number of umrah pilgrims: It is estimated that the number of umrah pilgrims will decrease in the next few months. This is because many pilgrims are not yet aware of this ban.
- Increase in umrah package prices: It is estimated that the price of umrah packages will increase in the next few months. This is because PPIUs have to bear additional costs to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.
- Increased supervision of PPIU: Kemenag will increase supervision of PPIU to ensure they do not help pilgrims perform independent or backpacker umrah.
Pilgrims Urged to Be Wary of Cheap Independent and Backpacker Umrah Offers
Jaja appealed to umrah pilgrims to be wary of cheap umrah offers that are not reasonable.
“Don’t be easily tempted by the cheap prices offered by unclear PPIUs,” said Jaja.
Jaja said that cheap umrah prices are usually accompanied by poor service quality. Pilgrims who are tempted by cheap prices are at risk of experiencing various problems during the umrah pilgrimage.
“Such as inadequate accommodation, unhealthy food, and unprofessional guidance,” said Jaja.
Jaja advised pilgrims to choose an official and credible PPIU. Pilgrims can check the list of official PPIUs on the Kemenag website.
“Make sure all travel documents are complete and valid before departing for umrah,” said Jaja.
The prohibition of independent and backpacker umrah was imposed by Kemenag to protect the safety of pilgrims. Socialization and education to the public need to be carried out massively so that this prohibition can be effectively implemented.
