Holding 2026 National Work Meeting in Palembang, AMPHURI Highlights E-Wallet Umrah Discourse
The General Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organisers Association (DPP AMPHURI), Firman M Nur, stated that the National Work Meeting (Mukernas) is a crucial moment for AMPHURI members. The forum discusses various changes in the governance of hajj and umrah under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj).
This was conveyed by Firman M Nur in his speech at the opening of the 2026 AMPHURI Mukernas at the Novotel Hotel, Palembang, on Tuesday evening (23/6/2026). Referring to AMPHURI’s Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), Mukernas is a consultative forum for members held once a year by the Board to evaluate the current year’s work and formulate the next year’s work plan.
At the 2026 Mukernas, Firman said AMPHURI is determined to solidify and strengthen strategic steps for the year ahead in fighting for the interests of the ummah through work programmes and concrete actions. As the second-highest forum after the National Congress (Munas), Mukernas is expected to produce various policies and recommendations regarding the organisation of hajj, umrah, and Muslim tourism.
During a public dialogue, the Mukernas raised the issue of the Umrah e-Wallet, which had been floated by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, featuring speakers from the Ministry and hajj and umrah travel business operators.
Regarding the Umrah e-Wallet, Firman touched upon the enactment of Law No. 14 of 2025, the third amendment to Law No. 8 of 2019 on the Organisation of Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages, which was promulgated on 4 September 2025. He noted that it brings hope but also anxiety. On one hand, this new regulation opens a new chapter for more professional and accountable hajj and umrah services under a ministry formed by the law’s mandate. On the other hand, it is seen as a centralisation instrument that sidelines the role of business operators.
“Indeed, through Law No. 14 of 2025, the future of Indonesia’s umrah and hajj governance focuses on strengthening pilgrim protection, digitalisation innovation, and ecosystem sustainability. Many hope that managing hajj and umrah services under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will create more transparent organisation,” Firman stated.
He said that at this Mukernas, themed ‘Kokoh Berlabuh, Tangguh Menempuh’ (Steadfastly Anchored, Resiliently Journeying), the board and all AMPHURI members remain solid in a strong, unified step to fight for the organisation’s vision of becoming a professional body that nurtures and empowers its members.
Firman revealed that at the Mukernas, AMPHURI received the Anugrah Prakarsa Inklusi (API) award from the National Commission on Disability (KND). He said KND has recognised AMPHURI’s adequate efforts in realising respect, protection, and fulfilment of rights for persons with disabilities in hajj organisation. KND, as a state institution mandated with disability human rights, gave the national award to AMPHURI for its support in Inclusive Hajj Organisation from 2024 to 2026. He expressed gratitude and pride for the appreciation from KND.
Firman added that at the Mukernas, AMPHURI routinely and continuously holds the AMPHURI International Business Forum (AIBF), a business forum for members and strategic partners in hajj and umrah organisation. This year’s AIBF was attended by several national and international companies from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.
“At this Mukernas, besides planning work programmes, we will establish a number of recommendations for both internal organisation and external stakeholders involved in hajj and umrah organisation, aimed at improving and advancing the business climate in the hajj, umrah, and Muslim travel sector,” Firman said.
At the Mukernas, AMPHURI also presented the AMPHURI Award to media supporting the hajj and umrah ecosystem. This year, the award was given to TV One as The Best TV Media Support for Hajj & Umrah.
Among the recommendations to be discussed at the 2026 Mukernas is urging the Government, specifically Kemenhaj, to involve hajj and umrah associations in every formulation of regulations or implementing rules for Law No. 14 of 2025. This is to ensure the regulations align with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to create a community-based hajj and umrah economic ecosystem.
Firman said AMPHURI also reminded the Government about the rampant practice of non-procedural umrah travel without concrete action, while licensed organisers (PPIU) are often constrained by various rules. Besides non-procedural umrah (i.e., independent umrah), the equally compelling issue is the Umrah e-Wallet discourse, which still sparks debate over whether it is a solution or will become a new burden for the sustainability of PPIU and PIHK businesses.
“AMPHURI hopes the Government will always involve hajj and umrah business associations in drafting regulations, so they can work together to create a strong hajj and umrah ecosystem based on the community economy,” Firman asserted.
To this end, AMPHURI urged Kemenhaj to immediately activate the Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) previously formed by the former ministry to take action against non-procedural umrah operators. “We await the government’s firm stance in supervising and prosecuting such violations,” he concluded.