Title: Backpacker Umrah, is it protected? A netnography study

Authors: Nanang Setiawan; A.A. Gde Satia Utama; Noorlailie Soewarno

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Business, Airlangga University, Jl. Airlangga No. 4-6 Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, Institut Agama Islam Al-Fatimah Bojonegoro, Jl. Basuki Rahmat No. 99 Bojonegoro, Indonesia ' Faculty of Economics and Business, Airlangga University, Jl. Airlangga No. 4-6 Surabaya, Indonesia ' Faculty of Economics and Business, Airlangga University, Jl. Airlangga No. 4-6 Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract: Backpacker Umrah has become a popular phenomenon in Indonesia, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Backpacker Umrah is a self-organised pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia without using a travel company. Despite ongoing debates and controversies, backpacker Umrah continues to be in high demand among the Indonesian population. This study aims to explore the backpacker Umrah phenomenon in Indonesia, examining why and how it occurs and aspects related to protecting pilgrims from potential fraud and other risks. The study employs netnographic methods, utilising online platform data from WhatsApp groups and Facebook communities. Research on backpacker Umrah remains limited, making this study particularly novel. This study contributes to the advancement and development of tourism anthropology literacy through online ethnography using social media, particularly in the literature on Backpacker Umrah and Hajj and Umrah travel. It also contributes by providing recommendations for preventing and mitigating potential Umrah fraud.

Keywords: backpacker Umrah; Umrah fraud; fraud; netnography; social media.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTA.2025.148670

International Journal of Tourism Anthropology, 2025 Vol.10 No.1, pp.1 - 23

Received: 12 Sep 2024
Accepted: 03 Feb 2025
Published online: 18 Sep 2025 *

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