The reopening of the Umrah season for 1448 Hijriah on 11 June 2026 has been overshadowed by a deepening scandal surrounding Hanania Travel (PT Hasanah Tama Internasional), which is accused of defrauding thousands of pilgrims of approximately Rp60 billion. The company's directors have been named suspects in alleged fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. As Indonesian authorities intensify their investigation, a growing list of celebrities and social media influencers have been summoned for questioning, highlighting the pervasive role of endorsements in the pilgrimage travel sector.

Among those called to testify at Polda Metro Jaya on 10 June were celebrity couple Thariq Halilintar and Aaliyah Massaid, who were examined as witnesses. Aaliyah expressed deep sympathy for the victims, noting that many had saved for years to perform Umrah. Thariq clarified that they had paid nearly Rp170 million for their own Umrah trip in late 2025, contradicting rumours of a free trip. He stated that Hanania Travel persistently offered them endorsement deals despite their intention to pay, underscoring the aggressive marketing tactics employed by the company.

Other public figures have also been drawn into the case. Presenter Anwar Sanjaya, known as Anwar BAB, voluntarily returned the pocket money he had received from Hanania Group to investigators, signalling his commitment to justice for the affected pilgrims. Meanwhile, social media personality Keanu Angelo, who had previously promoted the company and travelled with them two years ago, visited parliamentarian Rieke Diah Pitaloka after his police examination to discuss his involvement. These developments have sparked a broader debate in Indonesia about the ethical responsibilities of celebrities who endorse travel services without adequate due diligence.

Viewed from Jakarta, the scandal exposes systemic vulnerabilities in Indonesia's Umrah travel industry, which has seen explosive growth in recent years. The case has prompted calls for stricter regulation of travel agencies and greater accountability for endorsers. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are under pressure to recover victims' funds and prevent future abuses. The outcome may set a precedent for how celebrity endorsements are treated in legal proceedings, with implications for the wider marketing landscape in Southeast Asia's largest economy.