TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has proposed the abolition of the Furoda Hajj visa as a special option for the Hajj pilgrimage. Lukman argued that this Hajj route consistently leads to problems, particularly the uncertainty of visa availability.
This year, for instance, thousands of prospective Indonesian pilgrims were unable to depart for the Holy Land because the Saudi government did not issue their Furoda Hajj visas. As the Furoda Hajj is a non-quota route, Lukman stated that the Indonesian government bears no responsibility for these issues.
"The issuance of Furoda visas is fraught with uncertainty. From an Islamic legal standpoint, the trading of Hajj packages with this visa can be categorized as gharar, a transaction involving speculation due to uncertainty," Lukman explained in a written statement on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Lukman noted that the mujamalah visa, managed by the Saudi government, operates under a different scheme than the Furoda visa currently offered by Special Hajj Organizers (PIHKs). He pointed out that the key difference lies in the transparency of Hajj management. He clarified that the mujamalah visa typically originates from an official invitation from the Saudi government, accompanied by Hajj facilities.
In contrast, the Furoda Hajj visa circulating in the market has an unknown inviting party, despite operating based on a business agreement between the PIHK and the Saudi government. Lukman therefore highlighted the difficulty in resolving the confusion surrounding the Furoda Hajj visa due to the unclear chain of responsibility.
Based on these concerns, Lukman further detailed the risks associated with the Furoda Hajj visa controversies. "When this type of visa is not issued until close to the wukuf (the peak of Hajj), it leads to a blame game and responsibility shifting among prospective Hajj pilgrims, PIHKs, the Indonesian government, and the Saudi government," he said.
He expressed concern that this issue could jeopardize diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The lack of transparency in the Furoda visa's issuance and acquisition procedures, he argued, would continue to fuel accusations against both countries and their respective societies, which Lukman believes must be avoided.
Consequently, he proposed that the Saudi government limit the use of non-quota Hajj visas to mujamalah visas issued by local officials. In other words, Lukman advocates for Hajj pilgrimages to be conducted exclusively via the Ministry of Religious Affairs' quota visas (regular) and non-quota visas officially issued by the Saudi government. "As for the Furoda visa, which is prone to 'trade,' it should be eliminated," he asserted.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that over 1,000 Furoda pilgrims were unable to depart this year due to unissued visas. Mustolih Siradj, Chairman of the National Commission for Hajj, emphasized that the Furoda Hajj visa falls under the sole responsibility of the travel agencies or agents, not the government.
Editor's Choice: No Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Infected with MERS-CoV, Health Ministry Confirms
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Secures 1-0 Victory Over China in World Cup Qualifiers
22 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Trump's Travel Ban: Why 12 Countries Were Targeted
1 hari lalu
The Donald Trump administration believes some countries are uncooperative in sharing information.
China Launches New 'ASEAN Visa' for Southeast Asian Nations and Timor-Leste
1 hari lalu
The visa allows multiple entries over five years, with each visit permitting a stay of up to 180 days.
Today's Top 3 News: Maarten Paes Joins Garuda Squad for Training Camp Ahead Home Match Against China
3 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
No Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Infected with MERS-CoV, Health Ministry Confirms
3 hari lalu
The Health Ministry noted that 151 Indonesian hajj pilgrims are being treated in hospitals. However, none of them are infected with MERS-CoV.
Indonesian Pilgrim Fatalities Rise to 129 as Hajj Peak Approaches
3 hari lalu
The Health Ministry explained that the majority of deaths during Hajj were attributed to pneumonia, often complicated by underlying conditions.
House Urges Stricter Immigration Controls to Prevent Illegal Indonesian Hajj Pilgrimages
3 hari lalu
The House and the government will make efforts to repatriate Indonesian nationals who died after being stranded in the desert to perform the hajj.
Chronology of West Bank Escalation: Israeli Forces Ram Hajj Bus, Arrest Civilians
3 hari lalu
Israeli military vehicle rammed into a bus carrying elderly Palestinian pilgrims. The attack escalated tension in the West Bank.
How Saudi Arabia Hunts Illegal Hajj Pilgrims, Using Drones to AI
3 hari lalu
The Saudi Arabian government has expelled nearly 269,678 Muslims who tried to enter Mecca without permission during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Urged Not to Rush Diplomatic Ties with Israel
5 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
