Strengthening Hajj Economic Ecosystem, Ministry of Hajj Holds Integrated Hajj Rituals UMKM Expo

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), through the Directorate General for the Development of the Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem (Ditjen PE2HU), is holding an expo for UMKM integrated with Hajj rituals activities from 6-8 April 2026. This event forms part of efforts to strengthen the Hajj economic ecosystem while providing comprehensive training to pilgrims. The programme implements the mandate of Law No. 14 of 2025 on the development of the Hajj and Umrah economic ecosystem. Through this approach, the government is encouraging the involvement of small business actors in the value chain of Hajj worship services. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasised the importance of the economic aspect in sustainable Hajj organisation. “Strengthening the Hajj economic ecosystem is part of the Tri Sukses Haji. Through this expo, we are promoting economic independence and added value in the Hajj and Umrah supply chain,” said Dahnil on Tuesday (7/4). He also assessed that combining rituals with UMKM empowerment is a strategic step to enhance pilgrims’ comprehensive understanding. “Hajj rituals not only equip pilgrims from the worship perspective but also drive economic empowerment of the ummah,” he added. The expo adopts a concept simulating the Hajj worship journey, featuring zones representing key stages, such as Madinah Al Munawaroh, Bir Ali, to Arafah. This concept is designed to provide a more realistic experience for participants in understanding the worship flow before departing to the Holy Land. Director General of PE2HU, Jaenal Effendi, explained that the event functions not only as a product exhibition but also as an educational medium for pilgrims. “This expo is not merely a product showcase but also an educational facility for pilgrims while encouraging UMKM to actively contribute to building a self-reliant and sustainable Hajj economic ecosystem,” he stated. As many as 30 UMKM actors are participating, displaying various flagship products, from worship essentials like suitcases, ihram cloth, and mukena, to food, drinks, and typical Hajj souvenirs. The presence of these local products is expected to compete with imports while making it easier for pilgrims to meet their worship needs independently. In addition, UMKM actors will be facilitated to join the government’s Hajj souvenirs digital platform currently being prepared. This initiative is part of digitalisation efforts to expand market access and enhance the competitiveness of local products. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that Hajj preparations not only focus on physical and spiritual readiness but also encompass strengthening the ummah’s economy as part of sustainable development. The Hajj and Umrah industry in Indonesia is a vital sector that not only supports the spirituality of the Muslim ummah but also makes a significant contribution to the national economy.