In a significant move to enhance social welfare and spiritual fulfillment, PT. Tur Silaturrahmi Nabi, widely recognized as Tursina Travel, has successfully launched an extensive initiative to provide free Umrah pilgrimages to 1,000 residents of Bandar Lampung. This ambitious program, conducted in close collaboration with the Bandar Lampung City Government, represents a major milestone in public-private partnerships aimed at religious inclusivity. The initiative specifically targets individuals from diverse and often underserved backgrounds, ensuring that the dream of visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah becomes a reality for those who might otherwise lack the financial means. By bridging the gap between desire and opportunity, the program underscores a commitment to rewarding community service and supporting the spiritually devoted across the Lampung provincial capital.
The first phase of this massive undertaking saw the departure of 500 pilgrims between December 4 and December 12, 2022. Following this successful initial wave, a second group of 500 participants is scheduled to depart on December 27, 2022. This systematic approach to the pilgrimage allows for meticulous management of logistics and ensures that each participant receives the necessary attention and guidance required for such a profound journey. The selection process for the program was intentionally broad, encompassing a wide array of societal roles including the visually impaired, muadhins (those who perform the call to prayer), mosque caretakers (marbots), residential security guards, street vendors, small-scale traders, and mobile vegetable sellers. Furthermore, the program honors public servants, including members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), and high-performing teachers and education supervisors, acknowledging their contributions to the stability and growth of the city.
Overcoming Global Challenges: A Timeline of Resilience
The realization of this free Umrah program is the culmination of years of planning and persistence. According to H. M. Farid Aljawie, SE, the owner of Tursina Travel, the initiative was originally slated for implementation in 2019. However, the global landscape of international travel and religious pilgrimage was fundamentally altered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Saudi Arabia implemented stringent health protocols and temporary suspensions of Umrah visas to curb the spread of the virus, the Bandar Lampung program faced an indefinite delay. The period between 2020 and early 2022 was characterized by uncertainty for travel agencies worldwide, yet Tursina Travel maintained its commitment to the residents of Bandar Lampung, waiting for the opportune moment when health conditions and diplomatic regulations permitted the safe resumption of large-scale travel.
The eventual realization of the program in late 2022 was described by Farid as a testament to divine timing and rigorous effort. He noted that despite the complexities involved in processing a massive volume of visas and securing flight tickets during a peak travel season, the first group was able to depart exactly as scheduled on December 4. The logistical feat was particularly impressive given the short turnaround times for data verification and the volatile nature of airline seat availability. Farid recounted instances where critical flight arrangements were finalized only forty-eight hours prior to departure, a situation that would typically cause significant distress but was met with a sense of mission-driven determination. This perseverance reflects a broader trend in the Indonesian travel industry, which has had to adapt rapidly to the post-pandemic "new normal" of religious tourism.
Logistical Complexity and the Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bandar Lampung free Umrah program is the inclusion of individuals with physical disabilities and those who have never previously traveled beyond their home province. Managing a group of 1,000 people is a standard logistical challenge for large agencies, but the complexity increases exponentially when the demographic includes the elderly, the visually impaired, and first-time international travelers. Tursina Travel reported that many participants had never visited a major city outside of Lampung, let alone navigated the intricacies of international airports and foreign customs.
To address these challenges, the agency implemented a "high-touch" service model. This involved providing extra personnel to assist those with limited mobility and ensuring that the cultural and linguistic transition to Saudi Arabia was handled with sensitivity. The narrative of the journey is filled with emotional accounts of individuals who, having spent their lives in humble service as vegetable sellers or neighborhood guards, found themselves standing before the Kaaba. This focus on inclusivity serves as a model for other local governments in Indonesia, demonstrating how religious tourism can be utilized as a tool for social appreciation and psychological empowerment.
The Spiritual Core: Beyond Conventional Tourism
Tursina Travel has positioned itself as more than a mere logistics provider, emphasizing the "spiritual essence" of the Umrah as its primary service differentiator. Under the guidance of Amirul Umrah Prof. Dr. Kana Sutrisna Suryadilaga, the program incorporates an intensive schedule of worship and historical education. Unlike standard commercial packages that may prioritize leisure or shopping, this government-backed initiative focuses on the profound religious significance of the pilgrimage.
Participants are encouraged to engage in nightly Tahajjud prayers and remain in the mosque until the Fajr (dawn) call to prayer. This rigorous spiritual discipline is complemented by "muhasabah" sessions—reflective practices held at various historical sites throughout the Holy Land. These sessions are designed to deepen the pilgrims’ understanding of Islamic history and the trials of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), thereby enriching their personal faith. Prof. Kana Sutrisna Suryadilaga praised the agency’s dedication, noting that the ability to overcome significant hurdles was often a result of the "silaturrahmi" (strengthening of bonds) maintained by the agency’s leadership with various stakeholders in both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
Two Decades of Service and Corporate Evolution
The 2022 free Umrah program coincides with a major milestone for PT. Tur Silaturrahmi Nabi, as the company prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary on February 23, 2023. To mark two decades in the industry, the agency plans to charter two entire aircraft to transport pilgrims for a special anniversary Umrah, with celebrations planned in both Madinah and Makkah. This upcoming event serves as a "shukr" (expression of gratitude) for the company’s longevity and growth.
Since its inception, Tursina Travel has undergone a significant transformation. What began as a focused Umrah service provider has expanded into a diversified travel firm. Today, the company holds ISO BV certification, reflecting its adherence to international standards of quality management. Its portfolio now includes specialized Hajj services (Haji Khusus), international exhibitions, and "Muslim Tours" that take travelers to Islamic heritage sites across the globe. Despite this expansion, Farid Aljawie maintains that the company’s core philosophy remains unchanged: prioritizing the service of the pilgrims over the pursuit of profit. He expressed a firm belief that by focusing on the quality of the spiritual experience, commercial success would naturally follow as a byproduct of divine blessing and customer trust.
The Impact of Digitalization on the Travel Sector
The landscape of Umrah is currently undergoing a digital revolution, driven by the Saudi government’s Vision 2030. The introduction of platforms like "Nusuk" and the automation of visa processes have led some to speculate that the role of traditional travel agencies might diminish. However, Farid Aljawie offers a different perspective, arguing that digitalization actually highlights the necessity of professional guidance. While technology can facilitate the bureaucratic process, it cannot replace the human element of mentorship, physical assistance, and spiritual leadership required during the pilgrimage.
For many Indonesian pilgrims, especially those from rural areas or those with limited digital literacy, the agency serves as a vital bridge. The complexities of navigating a foreign country, understanding the specific rituals (manasik) of Umrah, and managing health and safety in large crowds require a level of support that an app alone cannot provide. Farid believes that the travel industry will continue to grow, provided that agencies evolve to become comprehensive service partners rather than just ticket brokers.
Conclusion and Broader Implications
The collaboration between Tursina Travel and the Bandar Lampung City Government serves as a powerful example of how local authorities can reward their citizens through meaningful spiritual experiences. By facilitating the pilgrimage for 1,000 residents, the program not only fulfills a religious obligation for the participants but also fosters a sense of community and gratitude toward the local administration. The inclusion of the "little people"—the vendors, the guards, and the disabled—sends a strong message about the value of every citizen’s contribution to the social fabric of the city.
As Tursina Travel moves toward its 20th anniversary, the success of this large-scale initiative reinforces its position as a leader in the Indonesian religious tourism sector. The ability to manage such a diverse and large group of pilgrims, especially in the wake of a global pandemic, demonstrates a high level of operational maturity and a deep-seated commitment to its founding principles. For the 1,000 residents of Bandar Lampung, this journey is likely to be a life-defining event, proving that with the right partnership between government and the private sector, even the most distant dreams can be brought within reach. The program stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith and dedicated service in the modern era.
