JurnalPost.com, SURABAYA – The digitalization of Hajj and Umrah travel services offers significant convenience for both operators and pilgrims. However, this progress brings a critical challenge: ensuring the security of the personal information of pilgrims managed by travel companies.
To address this, the Community Service Team from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Airlangga (FH UNAIR) held a seminar and training session titled "Strengthening Digital Capabilities and Umrah Pilgrim Data Protection" on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Aston Inn Hotel.
This activity is part of the Secure, Modern, Adaptive, Reliable Travel (SMART) Academyprogram, an initiative focused on improving digital competency, personal data protection, and service standardization for Hajj and Umrah travel agencies in East Java.
Through this program, FH UNAIR aims to strengthen the understanding of travel business operators regarding legal aspects and personal information management, especially as digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into pilgrim services.
Personal Data Protection Becomes a Priority for Umrah Operators
The event opened with remarks from the Director of Massa Makmor World Tour and Travel, Hj. Aida Setyawan, S.Kom. She noted that this collaboration with FH UNAIR is now in its second year.
According to Aida, Massa Makmor's involvement as a facilitator reflects their commitment to improving the quality of human resources within the Hajj and Umrah travel industry.
She acknowledged that understanding the security and protection of personal information remains a significant challenge for many travel operators.
"As Umrah operators, we still lack sufficient awareness regarding personal data protection," Aida stated.
This statement highlights the urgent need for improved legal and digital literacy, as Hajj and Umrah agencies manage a wide range of sensitive pilgrim information, from national identity documents and travel papers to other data required for departure administration.
The next address was delivered by the Head of the International Law Department at FH UNAIR, Dr. Nilam Andalia Kurniasari.
She expressed hope that the SMART Academy would serve not only as a platform for delivering information but also as a space for dialogue between academics and industry practitioners to find solutions for pilgrim data protection issues.
Participants Delve into the Personal Data Protection Law
Before the main session, participants took a pre-test to gauge their baseline knowledge of personal data protection. The session continued with an introduction to the SMART Academy program by Dr. Lina Hastuti from the International Law Department at FH UNAIR.
The first session was led by Masitoh Indriani, focusing on the implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) within Hajj and Umrah travel businesses.
The discussion covered various data breach issues in Indonesia, the role of travel agencies as personal data controllers, and the responsibilities of parties involved in the collection, storage, use, and processing of pilgrim information.
Participants also gained an understanding of the rights of personal data subjects, including the right to be informed about the purpose of data usage and the right to submit specific requests in accordance with legal provisions.
The discussion utilized a case-study approach relevant to the daily operations of travel agencies.
One issue addressed was the use of pilgrims' photos and videos for company promotional materials. Practices previously considered standard marketing activities were revealed to have legal consequences if conducted without a valid legal basis for data processing.
Additionally, participants discussed the complexities of withdrawing consent for data usage and handling requests from pilgrims to delete their personal information.
Through these discussions, participants were encouraged to recognize that personal data protection is not merely an administrative task but a legal obligation that must be upheld at every stage of service.
Eight SOPs Introduced to Strengthen Data Governance
In the following session, Masitoh Indriani emphasized the importance of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for personal data protection within Hajj and Umrah travel companies.
The training introduced eight SOPs that can serve as internal guidelines to help companies manage data more systematically and responsibly.
These SOPs are designed to be compiled into a single internal policy document, facilitating their integration into daily operational activities.
This approach is considered highly relevant for small and medium-sized travel agencies that may not yet have a dedicated unit for information governance and security.
With written procedures in place, companies are expected to have clearer references for managing pilgrim information, fulfilling data protection responsibilities, and responding to potential issues.
Standardization is also a crucial element in building pilgrim trust in travel service providers.
The training concluded with a post-test and evaluation to assess the participants' understanding after completing the full series of sessions.
Supporting Quality Education and Responsible Industry Governance
Beyond focusing on the competency of travel operators, the SMART Academy is designed to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program aligns with three primary goals: SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Support for SDG 4 is realized through educational and training activities that expand legal knowledge while enhancing the digital capabilities of Hajj and Umrah travel business operators.
Meanwhile, the contribution to SDG 8 is reflected in efforts to improve workforce professionalism, strengthen human resource capacity, and implement better service standards in the travel industry.
The connection to SDG 16 is evident in the increased awareness of pilgrim rights and the implementation of transparent and accountable corporate governance through education on the PDP Law and the development of data protection SOPs.
Through this approach, competency development is directed not only toward technical proficiency in using technology but also toward an awareness of the legal responsibilities that accompany the use of technology in public services and business activities.
Promoting Safer Hajj and Umrah Services
Technological advancements have transformed how travel companies interact with pilgrims. Registration, document submission, communication, and departure information are now increasingly handled through digital platforms.
This shift requires travel operators to provide not only fast and practical services but also to ensure that pilgrims' personal information is managed securely and in compliance with legal requirements.
The SMART Academy serves as a bridge between the practical needs of the industry and academic knowledge, particularly in the field of personal data protection law.
Through the collaboration between FH UNAIR and travel industry practitioners, this program is expected to drive improvements in service quality while fostering the understanding that data security is a vital component of protecting pilgrim rights.
Looking ahead, the strengthening of digital competency and the consistent application of data protection procedures are expected to help build an Hajj and Umrah travel industry ecosystem in East Java that is increasingly secure, professional, adaptive, and sustainable.
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