Deputy Minister: 70 Percent of Hajj and Umrah Scam Victims Are Not Wealthy Individuals

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) of Indonesia, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has highlighted the economic conditions of a significant portion of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, indicating that they are particularly vulnerable to scams by fraudulent travel agencies and are not wealthy individuals.

"Seventy percent of our Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, uniquely, I have inquired about the demographics of the Hajj pilgrims, are not have (affluent) people," Dahnil stated during a meeting to strengthen the role of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (10/11/2026) evening.

Consequently, Dahnil urged the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Control and the Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) to respond swiftly to every public complaint.

He emphasized that handling such cases should not only focus on legal processes but also consider the recovery of losses suffered by the pilgrims.

"What the pilgrims often desire when deceived is not just law enforcement. They want their money back. They want their money back or the opportunity to depart," he added.