Association Urges Government to Prevent Idle Funds After Abolition of Hajj 'Lunas Tunda Ganti' Scheme

The Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Organisers Association (Sapuhi) has called on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide a clear solution for funds belonging to prospective pilgrims following the abolition of the ‘lunas tunda ganti’ mechanism in the special hajj programme. The association’s chairman, Syam Resfiadi, stated that while the policy is a positive step to curb irregularities, it has left many pilgrims’ funds in limbo. ‘This policy has actually been in effect since the 1447 Hijri/2026 Masehi hajj season. As a result, many special hajj organisers (PIHK) are now struggling because they must coordinate with pilgrims whose names are still recorded under the scheme,’ Syam said in Jakarta on Monday. He explained that the situation becomes more complicated when the funds originate from investments or deposits made by pilgrims whose identities are no longer traceable. In such cases, the money cannot be withdrawn because the mechanism allowing a new pilgrim to replace the original depositor has been removed. ‘It must be resolved so that these funds do not become dead money with all the associated requirements,’ he added. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously officially abolished the ‘lunas tunda ganti’ scheme to close loopholes exploited by certain special hajj organisers and to ensure that departures strictly follow the official queue number.