JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is accelerating strategic programs to unlock the country’s $19.7 billion annual hajj and umrah economy, reports RRI.
The initiative was presented during the National Working Meeting in Jakarta. The meeting focused on strengthening an integrated hajj economic ecosystem to maximize benefits beyond pilgrimage services. The Indonesian government is encouraging greater participation from domestic products, businesses, and investments throughout the hajj and umrah value chain.
Director General of Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem Development, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Jaenal Effendi, said Indonesia has significant economic potential from hajj and umrah activities. He estimated the combined value of both sectors reaches around $19.7 billion annually, creating major opportunities for national economic growth.
He said developing an integrated hajj economic ecosystem would generate wider economic benefits for Indonesia. He emphasized stronger domestic participation in products, services, and businesses supporting hajj and umrah operations.
“The development of the hajj economic ecosystem is an effort to ensure that hajj management not only provides benefits in terms of pilgrimage services, but also creates added value for the national economy by increasing the involvement of domestic products, services, and business players.” Jaenal said.
The ministry continues expanding Indonesian products for hajj and umrah services through strategic supply chain initiatives. Recent efforts include exporting 28 varieties of Indonesian spices totaling more than 300 tons and supplying approximately 3.1 million ready-to-eat meal packages.
The ministry is also optimizing empty flight capacity to attract visitors from the Middle East to Indonesia. The initiative has served 1,723 passengers through collaboration with airlines and other stakeholders.
Besides, Jaenal stressed that developing the hajj economic ecosystem requires strong cooperation across sectors to achieve lasting results. He said collaboration remains essential to strengthen national supply chains, encourage investment, improve domestic product competitiveness, and expand sustainable economic benefits.
“The hajj economic ecosystem cannot be built by a single party. The synergy of all stakeholders is the key to strengthening the national supply chain, opening investment opportunities, improving the competitiveness of domestic products, and delivering sustainable economic benefits for the public.” Jaenal added.