Joko's Umrah Plans for In-Laws Thwarted by Hanania Travel Scam
The owner of Hanania Travel, Ahmad Syah Farhan (ASF), has been reported to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police after allegedly defrauding prospective Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Victims of the scam recounted how their hopes were dashed after falling prey to the fraud.
One such victim is Joko, who intended to send his sister and in-laws on Umrah in June. Joko said he was enticed by advertisements posted by Hanania Travel on social media.
Everything initially proceeded smoothly until he paid for his sister and in-laws’ departure, but as the departure date approached, he received no confirmation.
“The administrator has become inactive, rarely responds, and the necessary equipment that should have been provided hasn’t been delivered. Most importantly, there’s no confirmation of departure,” Joko told reporters on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Moreover, Joko said he learned that previous groups scheduled to depart had been cancelled, preventing them from reaching the holy sites. Based on his communications with other victims, it is suspected that many more pilgrims have been affected, with total losses estimated at tens of billions of rupiah.
“Yesterday, when we spoke with Farhan, the defendant and Hanania’s director, about the refund amounts for victims from Syawal to October, he knew the calculations since the money went into his company. He mentioned it was around Rp60 billion,” he explained.
Joko stated that the company claimed financial difficulties since last year, affecting operations into 2026. The company also cited regional conflicts in the Middle East as a reason for increased costs.
“The financial issues were already present in 2025, with the company operating at a loss, yet it continued operations in 2026. He hoped that 2026 would cover the 2025 debts, but that did not happen,” he said.
“The conflict in Dubai also affected operations, requiring additional costs, but regardless of the reasons, the core issue reported to us as pilgrims was financial,” he added.
Joko expressed sadness over failing to send his sister and in-laws on Umrah this year due to the case. He said they had even held a thanksgiving ceremony before the scheduled departure.
“Everything was set—bought the gear, excited for their first trip—but the luggage wasn’t sent, the benefits promised upon payment never materialised, and the administrator stopped responding altogether,” he said.
Joko said he suffered losses of up to Rp60 million and hopes for a swift refund. He also urged police to proceed with the case against Hanania Travel.
“Rescheduling isn’t possible. We’re hoping for a full refund and strongly urge government intervention to address this issue,” he added.
Hanania Travel Owner Under Police Scrutiny
Jakarta Metropolitan Police are questioning Hanania Travel’s owner, Ahmad Syah Farhan (ASF), following reports from multiple prospective Umrah and Hajj pilgrims alleging fraud.
“He is still being questioned,” stated Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Chief Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto when contacted on Friday, May 29.
Farhan was reported to Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Thursday, May 28, by multiple prospective pilgrims over alleged fraud involving dozens of victims. He was escorted to the police station by the victims.
Farhan faces allegations under Articles 492, 486, and/or 607 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed the police received a report regarding Hanania Travel’s alleged fraud.
“Correct, Jakarta Metropolitan Police received a report on May 28, 2026, regarding alleged Umrah travel fraud involving Hanania Travel,” Senior Commissioner Budi told reporters on Thursday, May 28.