Tangerang – The Chancellor of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, MA, Ph.D, officially opened the Certification of Hajj and Umrah Manasik Guides (SPMHU) Class XII of 2024. This event is a collaboration between the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIK) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Organizers (PHU) of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion. The certification, which lasted for six days, from 21 to 26 October 2024, was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Tangerang.

In his speech, Prof. Asep emphasized the importance of Hajj services that do not only focus on physical aspects, but also mental. He hopes that this certification program can run smoothly and provide a significant impact in improving the quality of Hajj and Umrah manasik guides.

"Hajj service is a noble task that requires mental and spiritual readiness. Hopefully this certification program can provide sufficient provisions for the guides to carry out their duties better," said Prof. Asep.

The event began with an activity report by Dr. H. Cecep Castrawijaya, MM., MA., as the Head of the Hajj and Umrah Manasik Guidance Certification Batch XII. He explained that this certification took place through a collaboration between the Director General of PHU, Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia and FDIK UIN Jakarta, with training materials covering 75 Lesson Hours (JPL), consisting of basic materials, core materials, and additional materials.

Some of the topics discussed in the certification materials include policies for organizing hajj and umrah, hajj jurisprudence, guidance on hajj rituals for women and the elderly, hajj ritual practices, and hajj management in Indonesia. In addition, participants also gain an understanding of Arab cultural traditions, guidance strategies, and communication in Arabic and English.

This certification was attended by 50 participants from various provinces in Indonesia, such as Bengkulu, Magelang, Riau, South Sulawesi, and NTB. The speakers who provided the material came from the Directorate General of PHU, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Dr. KH. Arsyad Hidayat, Lc., MA, from the Director of Hajj Guidance, Directorate of Hajj and Umrah Organizers, also conveyed his views in his speech. He explained that the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in the Directorate General of PHU need to have a deep understanding of the hajj and umrah guidance process, including in monitoring and evaluation activities in Saudi Arabia.

"ASN Ditjen PHU is also tasked with conducting direct monitoring and evaluation in Saudi Arabia. This is part of an effort to improve the quality of guidance. Therefore, they need to take part in this training and certification," said Dr. Arsyad.

Dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences, Dr. Gun Gun Heryanto, M.Si, in his speech said that this certification program is a form of strengthening cooperation between institutions for the common interest. "This certification not only increases insight, but also strengthens integrity. Knowledge, skills, and integrity must continue to be improved so that mentors become more professional in their fields," said Dr. Gun Gun.

By officially opening the Certification of Hajj and Umrah Guidance Guides for Batch XII of 2024, Prof. Asep hopes that this program will contribute greatly to improving the professionalism of guides in carrying out their duties in the future and in the field.

The opening ceremony ended with the installation of participant signs for two participant representatives, a joint prayer, and a photo session between the assessors, participants, and the committee.