Minister Opens International Islamic Expo 2026, Pushes for Globally Competitive Hajj and Umrah Ecosystem

Minister of Hajj and Umrah, M. Irfan Yusuf, also known as Gus Irfan, opened the ‘International Islamic Expo 2026 — The 16th Tourism Exchange’ held from 26 to 28 June 2026 at JICC, Senayan, Jakarta. He expressed hope that the International Islamic Expo 2026 would serve as a platform for national consolidation directed towards five main agendas. “These include pilgrim protection, transparency of costs and services, regulatory compliance, digital integration, and strengthening the national Hajj and Umrah economy,” Gus Irfan stated in his opening speech at JICC, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, 26 June 2026. The Minister explained that this transformation step is part of a collective effort to build an increasingly advanced and globally competitive Indonesian Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. “We want the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah ecosystem to grow together, serve better, honour the pilgrims, and elevate Indonesia’s dignity on the global stage,” he said. Gus Irfan affirmed that the government will continue to push for the transformation of Hajj and Umrah operations by strengthening a civilised, transparent, and just ecosystem. The goal is to ensure the development of a healthy Hajj and Umrah industry governance capable of providing the best services to the public. He hopes all stakeholders can move with a single vision to deliver Hajj and Umrah services that are safe, comfortable, and orderly, in accordance with Sharia, while upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and pilgrim dignity. “The entire ecosystem must grow in one direction, namely serving pilgrims safely, comfortably, and orderly according to Sharia, transparently, accountably, and with dignity,” Gus Irfan said. According to him, the government’s attention to strengthening the Umrah industry ecosystem is part of implementing the constitutional mandate to realise social justice and drive economic growth that benefits the community. Therefore, Gus Irfan continued, all elements within the Hajj and Umrah industry are expected to adapt to the times without neglecting the principles of service and protection for pilgrims. “Synergy between the government, business actors, and the community is the main factor in creating professional industry governance. Regulatory compliance by both government and private organisers is an important foundation so that Hajj and Umrah operations can run in a civilised manner and provide certainty for all parties,” he stated.