Jakarta, MINA – The Hajj Task Force has prevented 80 Indonesian citizens from departing for Saudi Arabia, as they were suspected of attempting to perform the Hajj pilgrimage through non-procedural or illegal means during the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj season.
The task force revealed that these prospective pilgrims were allegedly using visas not designated for Hajj purposes. The modus operandi varied, including the use of work visas, visit visas, and transit departures through third countries such as Malaysia and Singapore to avoid inspection by officials.
Joint officers from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Immigration, and the police have tightened surveillance at several international airports. This step was taken following an increase in non-procedural Hajj practices, which are considered dangerous for pilgrims’ safety and potentially violate the regulations of the Saudi Arabian government.
The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged the public not to be easily tempted by offers of “Hajj without queuing” or fast-track departure packages through unofficial channels.
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Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, previously emphasized that pilgrims using non-Hajj visas risk being arrested by Saudi authorities and will not receive official protection while in the Holy Land.
In several cases, prospective pilgrims were found to have paid hundreds of millions of rupiah to certain parties promising instant departure to Mecca.
The Hajj Task Force suspects that these practices involve illegal travel syndicates that exploit the public’s lack of understanding regarding international Hajj regulations. Authorities are currently conducting further investigations to trace the networks of organizers involved.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Hajj operations continue with the arrival of regular pilgrims in Medina and Mecca. As of early May 2026, more than 100,000 Indonesian pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia through official government schemes.
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The Indonesian government continues to remind the public to perform the Hajj pilgrimage through legal channels to ensure safety, comfort, and certainty of services while performing their worship in the Holy Land.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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