UIN Jakarta Encourages Hajj and Umrah Guides to Prioritize Morals and Professionalism
Jakarta, UIN Online News – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, through its Faculty of Dawah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM), reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the competence of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage guides by launching the Batch IV Certification Program for Hajj and Umrah Guides for the 1448 H/2026 M academic year on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, East Jakarta. Carrying the theme “Moral Transformation Toward Professional Guides,” the training runs from September 8 to 14, 2026, aiming to elevate both the moral character and professional qualifications of guides assisting pilgrims.
The program involves key institutional partners, including the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, FDIKOM UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and the Communication Forum for Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (FK KBIHU) of DKI Jakarta.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services, Dr. H. Puji Raharjo, S.Ag., S.S., M.Hum.; General Chairman of the Central Executive Board of FK KBIHU, Dr. KH. Manarul Hidayat, MA; Chairman of the Regional Executive Board of FK KBIHU DKI Jakarta, KH. R. M. Haidi Arief; Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.; Dean of FDIKOM, Prof. Dr. Gun Gun Heryanto, M.Si.; and Head of the Master’s Program in Dawah Management, Dr. H. Cecep Castrawijaya, M.A. The certification program brought together 151 participants from various regions across Indonesia.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar emphasized that mastering the rituals of Hajj and Umrah (manasik) alone is insufficient for a guide. Mental readiness, personality, moral integrity, and psychological competence are equally critical attributes.
“What stands out most is mental readiness—how one demonstrates strong character, morality, and psychological competence,” he stated.
He added that guides must possess higher capabilities than the pilgrims they lead across all dimensions, including knowledge, skill, character, and professionalism, to effectively perform their roles.
“As guides, you must operate at a higher level than your pilgrims in terms of knowledge, competence, ethics, and professionalism,” he stressed.
Echoing this view, KH Manarul Hidayat highlighted the essential role guides play in mentoring pilgrims. He remarked that participants must look beyond intellectual aptitude or theoretical knowledge to cultivate moral integrity and professional skills, enabling them to serve as role models, companions, and dedicated public servants.
Furthermore, Dr. H. Cecep Castrawijaya explained that the certification is designed to enhance guide competence, establish standardized qualifications, and improve the overall quality of pilgrimage guidance services.
“The intended outcome is a measurable increase in the professionalism and competence of Hajj and Umrah guides,” he explained.
During the orientation session, Dr. KH. Puji Raharjo emphasized that the certification must not be treated as a mere academic exercise confined to the classroom. The knowledge and skills acquired must be applied directly when guiding pilgrims in the field.
“This program goes beyond spending seven or eight days in a classroom; it is about equipping you with genuine field-ready competence and professionalism,” he noted.
The Batch IV Certification Program employs diverse learning methodologies, including interactive lectures, group discussions, practical manasik simulations, and micro-guiding exercises. Participants are trained in knowledge, practical skills, and interpersonal attitudes to cater effectively to the diverse needs and backgrounds of pilgrims.
Through this certification, guides are expected to combine technical knowledge with integrity, patience, exemplary conduct, and empathy toward pilgrims. Ultimately, moral transformation serves as a cornerstone in developing professional, service-oriented Hajj and Umrah guides.
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