Minister Calls for Synergy in Halal Tourism and Vigilance Against Rogue Travel Agents

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has emphasised the importance of strong synergy among all stakeholders in the umrah, hajj, and halal tourism sectors. This was conveyed to ensure maximum protection for consumers and the public from irresponsible travel agency practices.

The message was stressed by the Minister when opening the International Islamic Expo 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, on Friday (26/6/2026). On the occasion, he highlighted the recent case involving the umrah and hajj travel agency Hanania Travel, which has caused losses to many pilgrims.

‘Today it is rife, a travel agency that has harmed hundreds of prospective umrah pilgrims. We do not want this to happen again,’ said the figure familiarly known as Gus Irfan. He added his concern about the recurring pattern of travel fraud cases in Indonesia. ‘Last year it was First Travel, this year it is Hanania. I do not want there to be another travel agency like that under a different name,’ he asserted.

The International Islamic Expo 2026 runs for three days, from 26 to 28 June 2026. Carrying the theme The 16th Islamic Tourism Exchange, this event serves as a strategic platform facilitating the needs of Muslim worship and tourism through exhibitions, seminars, and business networking.

This international exhibition is a collaboration between PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI), PT Alia Kreasindo as the organiser, and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. Participants include various sectors, ranging from airlines, hospitality, visa providers, and travel insurance to transportation providers from various countries.

President Director of PT Alia Kreasindo, Mutia Andriastuti, explained that the event is not merely an exhibition but also prioritises business-to-business (B2B) meetings. ‘We present two areas, the international area and the domestic area. In the international area, we present approximately 40 exhibitors from abroad, both from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries,’ Mutia explained. In total, around 119 exhibitors are participating, with 45 per cent of them coming from overseas. The organiser is targeting 25,000 visitors during the exhibition period.