Hajj and Umrah Fraud: Indonesia Declares War on Religious Bandits
Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declares war on fraudulent travel operators, vowing to crack down on criminals exploiting pilgrims.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) of Indonesia, has reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to eradicating fraudulent practices in Hajj and Umrah travel organization that harm the public. Based on reports from Republika and detikHikmah published on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, the Ministry declared war on fraudsters who exploit the sanctity of religion for personal gain.
Speaking at a briefing for the Ministry's Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) in Jakarta on Tuesday night, November 10, 2026, Dahnil referred to these fraudsters as "religious bandits." He stated that they take advantage of Muslims' deep spiritual enthusiasm to amass private wealth by targeting unsuspecting pilgrims.
Daily Complaints and Potential Insider Involvement
According to reports from Republika and detikHikmah, the Ministry receives complaints almost daily from citizens who have fallen victim to pilgrimage travel scams. These reports originate from various regions across Indonesia, including Padang in West Sumatra, Jombang in East Java, and numerous other areas monitored via social media.
Furthermore, detikHikmah reported that nearly 70 percent of the scam victims come from economically vulnerable rural and village communities. Dahnil also revealed that these fraudsters may involve various parties, noting the potential for involvement by employees within the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah itself, both at the central and regional levels.
According to Dahnil, these religious bandits could even wear the civil servant uniforms of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Quoted from Republika
Strengthened Oversight and the Role of Ministry Investigators
In response to the surge in fraud cases—such as the recent allegations surrounding the Hanania travel agency—the government is stepping up oversight through the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Control and the Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS). The Ministry has urged its investigators not to hesitate in taking firm legal action against perpetrators who harm pilgrims.
Dahnil reminded various travel organizers, including PPIU, PIHK, KBIHU, and other entities, not to use religion as a commodity for deception or to extract profits at the expense of pilgrims. For community members planning to embark on the pilgrimage, he stressed the importance of remaining cautious and thorough, following the guidance outlined in Fulfilling the Fifth Pillar of Islam: Understanding the Meaning and Importance of Hajj.
Spiritual Wisdom and Islamic Perspective
The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are noble pillars of Islam yearned for by every Muslim. Preserving the purity of one's intentions and the proper execution of these rites is a shared responsibility of the ummah and the organizers. Islam consistently teaches honesty and trustworthiness while strictly forbidding all forms of deceit and wrongfully consuming the wealth of others.
يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَأْكُلُوْٓا اَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ اِلَّآ اَنْ تَكُوْنَ تِجَارَةً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِّنْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْٓا اَنْفُسَكُمْ ۗ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيْمًا ﴿٢٩﴾
O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.
Qur'an, Surah An-Nisaa [4]: 29 (Sahih International)
Through decisive law enforcement by the government and heightened public vigilance, it is hoped that journeys to the Holy Land can proceed safely, orderly, and free from fraudulent practices that disadvantage believers.
