MK asks DPR to clarify limits of independent umrah in review of PIHU law
The next hearing is Wednesday, with government testimony on the terms “independent,” “service provider,” and the PPIU phrase.
The Constitutional Court asked DPR to clarify the limits of independent umrah on Tuesday as it reviewed a legal challenge to the Law on the Organization of Hajj and Umrah Worship. In the hearing, DPR counsel Abdullah said the criminal provisions in the PIHU law are not intended to ensnare pilgrims who travel for umrah independently with family or relatives. According to DPR, Articles 112, 115 and 122 target parties acting as Penyelenggara Perjalanan Ibadah Umrah without official authorization. Constitutional Justice Enny Nurbaningsih asked DPR to submit the academic paper and the records of the law’s revisions, while also explaining the change from “perseorangan” to “mandiri” and who is meant by “penyedia layanan”. Constitutional Justice Asrul Sani also sought an explanation of the phrase “bertindak sebagai PPIU”. DPR said the recognition of independent umrah in Article 86 responds to changes in Saudi Arabian policy.