JFT Travel Explains Delay in Hajj Pilgrims' Departure

Jannah Firdaus Travel (JFT) Director Rahmat Syam has asserted that the travel company is licensed and registered as an Umrah Travel Organiser (PPIU) with permit number 505/2020 and a Special Hajj Organiser (PIHK) with permit number 241/2021, and is a member of the Umrah and Hajj Organisers Association (HIMPUH). Consequently, in conducting its operational activities, JFT follows all applicable procedures and legal provisions and does not act carelessly. “We will not engage in activities that violate the rules because the risk is too great. It would jeopardise JFT’s reputation, which has been quite good so far. We were once dubbed the number one travel agency during the pandemic in 2021-2022 and had the most pilgrims for the full Ramadan and Itikaf programme in 2023. As further evidence, we have also dispatched approximately 10,000 pilgrims for both Umrah and Hajj each year. So far, not a single Umrah pilgrim has been delayed,” Rahmat explained in an official statement on Thursday (9/7).

Regarding the report made by prospective pilgrims accompanied by their legal counsel to the South Sulawesi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office at the Sudiang Hajj Dormitory in Makassar on Monday (6/7/2026) at 11.00 WITA, Rahmat said it is perfectly legitimate for the prospective pilgrims to report their dissatisfaction, as anyone can file a report. However, whether the report is true or not, JFT will explain with strong and relevant evidence. Rahmat noted, however, that the report was filed by one person who then claimed that 80 JFT prospective pilgrims failed to depart. “That is not true and tends to discredit and corner JFT’s name. The reality is that it was not a failure to depart but a postponement, and the prospective pilgrims were also given the flexibility to choose to continue their Hajj departure next year or receive a refund,” he said.

Regarding the complainant, Widya Sulfa Anggraeni, the company has processed her refund. The company regrets and objects to unbalanced reporting that cornered JFT without seeking clarification before the news was broadcast. Previously, dozens of prospective Hajj pilgrims claiming to be victims of JFT visited the South Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to complain about their fate after failing to depart for the Holy Land according to the promised schedule. “We have received the pilgrims’ report and will follow up according to our authority. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will conduct an in-depth review of the documents, proof of payment, and the chronology presented by the victims,” said the Head of the Hajj and Umrah Organising Division for the South Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ikbal Ismail, in Makassar on Monday (6/7). At the meeting, the prospective pilgrims voiced complaints regarding the uncertainty of their departure despite having paid the full cost of the Hajj journey. They hope the Ministry of Religious Affairs can facilitate a resolution to the issue and provide certainty regarding their rights. Responding to this, Ikbal stated that if a violation of the Hajj pilgrimage organising provisions is found, the Ministry of Religious Affairs can impose administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. However, if there is an alleged criminal offence, the legal process falls under the authority of law enforcement officials.