HNW Urges Influencers Not to Mislead Pilgrims Through Content Amid Hanania Travel Umrah Failure Case

MPR Vice Chairman and Commission VIII DPR member Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW) urged that the Hanania Travel case serve as a warning for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to publish a list of Hajj and Umrah Travel Agencies (PPIU) that meet service and pilgrim protection standards. This would provide the public with an official reference before choosing an umrah travel agency amid the influx of influencer content.

“Government must provide official and easily accessible information about registered, compliant, and accredited PPIUs, especially with the abundance of ads and testimonials from influencers. This way, the public has stronger guidance before entrusting their funds and worship to specific providers,” HNW told Kompas.com on Sunday (31 May 2026).

He called on influencers and public figures not to casually endorse umrah travel agencies without considering the impact on public consumer decisions.

“Influencers must disclose whether content is purely personal opinion or part of a brand/company partnership,” he added. “If there is a partnership, the content should be positive but still professional to avoid misleading potential consumers if the company’s actual condition differs from promotions. This likely occurred in the Hanania Travel case and must not happen again.”

HNW stated the case should be a catalyst for consistently implementing the new Hajj and Umrah Law (Law No. 14 of 2025), particularly regarding strengthened pilgrim protection and government responsibility in umrah management.

He explained a key change in Law No. 14 of 2025 is the explicit requirement that organised umrah services fall under government responsibility, as stipulated in Article 106A, unlike previous legislation.

“We deeply regret this tragedy recurring. Under the new law, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah must actively seek solutions, including compensation or reimbursement for pilgrims as mandated by Article 97 of Law No. 14 of 2025,” HNW stressed.

This duty is supported by the Ministry’s Information System as outlined in Article 119J.

Furthermore, HNW reminded that Law No. 14 of 2025 grants the public broader oversight opportunities. Article 111(1) allows public participation through reports and complaints, while Article 111(2) ensures reporters receive protection.