Indonesia Allows Independent Umrah Option for Pilgrims

October 27, 2025

New law recognizes self-arranged pilgrimages alongside traditional package tours, giving Indonesian Muslims flexibility in planning their spiritual journeys to Saudi Arabia.

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Key Takeaways

Government aims to provide legal protection for all pilgrims
Indonesia legalizes independent Umrah through new law
Pilgrims can choose between guided tours or self-arranged trips

JAKARTA — Indonesia has formally legalized independent Umrah pilgrimages through new legislation, creating two parallel systems for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia’s holy sites.

The government now recognizes both traditional package tours through licensed operators and self-arranged journeys where pilgrims manage all aspects personally.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah spokesperson Ichsan Marsha explained the distinction between both approaches. “In principle, the key difference lies in the service mechanism and responsibilities,” Marsha told Tempo on Sunday.

Independent vs Regular Umrah

Regular Umrah packages handled by licensed tour operators include visas, flights, accommodation, transportation and religious guidance under government supervision.

Independent pilgrims must navigate all arrangements themselves while complying with Saudi regulations. “Costs can be more flexible depending on the chosen services,” Marsha noted, adding that independent pilgrims sign contracts directly with service providers to ensure agreed-upon services.

Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed the policy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s updated Umrah regulations. “Indonesia must comply and adapt to Saudi Arabia’s regulations.

Therefore, together with the House of Representatives, we legalized independent Umrah,” Dahnil stated in a video announcement.

The provisions appear in Article 86 of Law No. 14 of 2025, formally recognizing three Umrah pathways: through licensed operators, independently, or through ministerial arrangements.

The government emphasized the change aims to provide legal protection for Indonesians already undertaking self-organized pilgrimages.

Mohammad bin Abdullah

A mass communication graduate from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. He currently resides in the UK, where he is pursuing a degree in Islamic studies. He works for The Islamic Information as a news writer.