Thousands defrauded, Ministry urged to tighten Hajj rules

Indonesian legislators are demanding stricter regulations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, citing a surge in fraud cases that have left thousands of citizens unable to fulfill their spiritual journeys. Dini Rahmania, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs must act decisively to close regulatory loopholes exploited by unscrupulous individuals.

During the 2026 Hajj season, dozens of fraud cases were uncovered, highlighting a persistent problem that needs more than just annual victim counts. Rahmania emphasized that the government must ensure no more citizens are deprived of the opportunity to perform Hajj or Umrah due to fraudulent schemes. "We cannot just count the victims every year without providing real solutions," she stated.

The ministry is urged to develop concrete policies that protect the public, rather than merely reacting to reported incidents. Key recommendations include establishing a more robust oversight system for Hajj organizers, strengthening the verification and official publication of licensed operators, creating responsive complaint channels, and enhancing public education to prevent people from falling prey to illegal Hajj offers.

Beyond prevention, Rahmania also called for the Ministry of Religious Affairs to actively support victims. This includes assisting them in recovering their rights and coordinating with law enforcement agencies to expedite restitution processes in accordance with applicable regulations. The aim is to provide tangible support and ensure accountability for those perpetrating these scams.

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Don't let us just count the victims every year without providing real solutions.