Jakarta, Oct. 25 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said its new regulation allowing independent umrah under Law No. 14 of 2025 aims to address changing Saudi policies while protecting pilgrims and the national umrah service sector.

Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak told reporters in Jakarta on Saturday that frequent policy shifts in Saudi Arabia directly affect Indonesian pilgrims, making a legal framework for independent travel necessary.

The law sparked mixed reactions from travel associations, with some warning it could threaten licensed operators.

Dahnil said the regulation instead provides legal certainty for a practice that has long existed without formal oversight.

Article 86 paragraph 1(b) confirms that citizens...