Indonesia Declares War on Hajj and Umrah Fraudsters
Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah strongly condemns travel fraudsters as religious bandits, declaring war on rent-seeking schemes.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Kemenhaj (Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah) has firmly declared war on perpetrators of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage fraud, labeling them as "religious bandits." This firm stance was delivered by Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Wamenhaj (Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah), while delivering his remarks during a training session for Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) within the ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday night (November 10, 2026, WIB / UTC+7).
The term "religious bandits" is used to describe parties who exploit religious symbols, public trust, and the sacredness of worship to extract personal financial gain through fraudulent practices targeting prospective pilgrims.
Labeling Fraudsters as Religious Bandits
According to reports from Republika and detikHikmah, Dahnil explained that the label "religious bandits" is assigned to anyone who turns religion into a commodity. Republika reported that Dahnil adapted this term from the concept of the political bandit introduced by American economist Mancur Olson in his book Power and Prosperity, which discusses rent-seeking practices through political office.
Dahnil then connected this phenomenon to fraudsters operating pilgrimage trips to the Holy Land. Based on detikHikmah's report, Dahnil reaffirmed the government's stance against these offenders:
"We use the term 'oppose religious bandits' because these people are essentially individuals who use religion as a commodity. We label the perpetrators as religious bandits. We will fight them."
As quoted by Republika, Dahnil also described how these perpetrators take advantage of the deep spiritual longing felt by Muslims:
"What do they do? They use that sacred sphere as an effort to engage in rent-seeking. Fraud against pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj and Umrah."
Surging Fraud Reports and Victim Profiles
Media reports indicate a surge of fraud cases occurring among the public. According to Republika, Kemenhaj receives fraud complaints every day, both through official channels and social media.
"Every day we receive complaints of Hajj and Umrah fraud. Every day on social media, hundreds of people are scammed in Umrah cases, Hajj cases, and so on."
Republika noted several regions that have emerged as locations for fraud complaints in recent days, including Padang (West Sumatra) and Jombang (East Java), as well as alleged fraud involving the Hanania travel agency. This demonstrates that comfortable Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage journeys fraud occurs across various provinces.
Meanwhile, detikHikmah reported details regarding the condition of the victims. Dahnil revealed that nearly 70 percent of fraud victims come from villages and rural communities who are economically vulnerable.
Warnings and Strengthening Legal Supervision
To address this issue, the government is strengthening supervision through the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Control and the PPNS ranks. Based on detikHikmah's report, Dahnil mentioned that the possibility of perpetrator involvement cannot be ruled out from rogue elements within Kemenhaj itself, both State Civil Apparatus (ASN) at the central and regional levels.
Quoted from detikHikmah, Dahnil issued a stern warning to all travel organizers:
"I remind PPIU, PIHK, KBIHU, and other parties, if you still make religion a commodity to deceive or take profits to the detriment of pilgrims, it means you are a religious bandit. This must be stopped."
Through Republika's report, Dahnil also requested that investigators not hesitate to take legal action to protect members of the public who wish to perform acts of worship:
"So PPNS must not hesitate to crack down on these religious bandits."
Wisdom and the Value of Trust in Worship
The longing of Muslims to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam and embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj is an act of profound and sacred devotion. Therefore, serving prospective pilgrims with honesty, trustworthiness, and full responsibility is a major trust that must be guarded. Decisive action against all forms of fraud forms an essential part of efforts to preserve the honor of worship and protect the rights of pilgrims.
