Learning from Industry Practitioners, SII UNU Jogja Students Explore Service-Oriented Hajj and Umrah Management

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies (SII) Department of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) invited a Hajj and Umrah industry practitioner to its Hajj and Umrah Management course on Friday, June 12. The session was part of the department’s efforts to strengthen practice-based learning and broaden students’ understanding of the rapidly growing religious service industry.

Ahmad Hujaj Nurrohim, lecturer of the Hajj and Umrah Management course, explained that bringing practitioners into the classroom is an important learning strategy designed to bridge academic theory with real-world practice.

“Students need to understand that Hajj and Umrah management is not only about theoretical concepts. It also involves service excellence, organizational management, communication with pilgrims, and building public trust. Learning directly from practitioners provides valuable insights into the professional world they may enter in the future,” he said.

According to Ahmad Hujaj, the Hajj and Umrah sector continues to expand and requires professionals who possess not only Islamic knowledge but also managerial competence and strong service ethics. Therefore, students should be introduced early to the opportunities and challenges within the industry.

During the session, the department welcomed Dr. Landy Trisna Abdurrahman, owner of KBIH Arrahmah Purworejo, who shared his experience in managing Hajj and Umrah services and discussed the development of Indonesia’s religious service sector.

In his presentation, Dr. Landy emphasized that Hajj and Umrah operations should not be viewed merely as business activities. Instead, he argued that the primary focus must remain on serving pilgrims who are fulfilling a sacred religious obligation.

“Prospective pilgrims should never be treated as commodities. Hajj is an act of worship with specific religious requirements. Pilgrims are servants of Allah and guests of Allah, and they deserve the highest standard of care and service,” he stressed.

He explained that the success of a Hajj and Umrah service provider should not be measured solely by the number of pilgrims it serves, but also by the quality of its services, public trust, and the benefits it provides to the Muslim community.

Dr. Landy noted that the Hajj and Umrah industry holds significant economic potential, involving various supporting sectors such as travel, accommodation, transportation, and pilgrim assistance. However, he emphasized that business development in this field must remain grounded in Islamic values, professionalism, and social responsibility.

“A good business is a sustainable business. In Hajj and Umrah services, sustainability is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to helping pilgrims perform their worship comfortably and peacefully,” he said.

In addition to discussing service ethics, Dr. Landy also highlighted key aspects of Hajj and Umrah management, including program planning, administrative management, pilgrim assistance, and strategies for building institutional credibility in an increasingly competitive industry.

He added that students have considerable opportunities to pursue careers or entrepreneurial ventures within the religious services sector. The demand for professionals who combine Islamic knowledge with modern management skills is expected to continue growing alongside the expansion of the Hajj and Umrah industry.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which students raised questions about career opportunities, industry challenges, and strategies for developing professional, pilgrim-centered services.

Through this activity, the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Department of UNU Jogja hopes students will not only gain academic knowledge of Hajj and Umrah management but also internalize the values of service, integrity, and professional ethics as they prepare to contribute to the development of sustainable and community-oriented religious services. [Latifah]