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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian pilgrims can now arrange their Umrah pilgrimage independently, without going through licensed Pilgrimage Tour Operators (PPIU).The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that registration and visa processing for independent Umrah can be completed directly through the official Saudi Arabian government platforms."Currently, pilgrims can register and process their visas via official platforms provided by the Government of Saudi Arabia, such as the Nusuk App or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official portal," Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha told Tempo on Sunday, October 26, 2025.Ichsan added that the Indonesian government is developing an integrated information system to support independent Umrah pilgrims.This system will provide data and services to ensure that pilgrims remain monitored, protected, and safe throughout their pilgrimage."The system will also be connected to Indonesian authorities in Saudi Arabia, through the Embassy, Consulate General, or the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Office, to guarantee security and services even without the official accompaniment of a PPIU," Ichsan explained.Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak emphasized that the independent Umrah policy aligns with regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The policy has been formalized in Law Number 14 of 2025 concerning the Organization of Hajj and Umrah Worship.“Saudi Arabia now provides wide opportunities for independent Umrah. Indonesia must comply and adapt to their regulations, so in coordination with the House of Representatives, we legalized independent Umrah,” Dahnil said in a video statement received by Tempo on Saturday, October 25, 2025.The provisions for independent Umrah are included in Article 86, paragraph (1) of the Hajj and Umrah Law, which states that the pilgrimage may be carried out:a. through licensed Pilgrimage Tour Operators (PPIU),b. independently, orc. through arrangements by the Minister.Additionally, the revised law introduces Article 87A, outlining five requirements for independent pilgrims:Must be a Muslim,Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure,Have a confirmed departure and return date on a plane ticket to Saudi Arabia,Possess a health certificate from a licensed doctor, andObtain a visa and proof of service package purchase through the Ministry’s information system.This new policy aims to provide legal protection for Indonesian pilgrims opting for independent Umrah while ensuring that their journey is safe, regulated, and supported by both Indonesian and Saudi authorities.Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to the writing of this article.Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Legalizes Independent Umrah: Key Differences from Regular UmrahClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
