Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is revitalizing the role of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) to strengthen law enforcement against fraudulent practices in the organization of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said strengthening the role of PPNS was a strategic measure to curb the growing number of fraud cases that have harmed the public, particularly prospective pilgrims from lower- and middle-income groups.
“Every day, there are hundreds of Hajj and Umrah fraud cases. Around 70 percent of the victims come from economically vulnerable communities,” Anzar said when opening a PPNS capacity-building program here on Tuesday.
He explained that PPNS are authorized to conduct investigations and work alongside the National Police in handling suspected criminal offenses related to Hajj and Umrah services.
He added that the revitalization would also include strengthening PPNS recruitment to meet future staffing needs within the state civil service.
The measure is necessary given the high number of fraud cases reported across various regions.
“We want to ensure stronger law enforcement. Our commitment is to put an end to practices that exploit religion for profit,” he said.
Regarding the number of investigators needed, Anzar said ideally each district and municipality should have three PPNS officers.
However, the number could be adjusted based on the size of the pilgrim population and the level of fraud risk in each area.
In addition to strengthening action against fraud perpetrators, the presence of PPNS is also expected to support Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials in regional offices, who are frequently called upon to serve as witnesses in legal proceedings.
Anzar said that without adequate investigative support, regional officials could face difficulties in providing assistance and fulfilling legal requirements during the judicial process.
“The task of these PPNS officers is to enforce the law and take action against those who exploit religion for criminal gain. That is what we are seeking to revitalize,” he said.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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