10 Indonesians Arrested in Saudi Arabia for Promoting Illegal Hajj

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has reported that, according to information from the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, 10 Indonesian citizens were arrested in Saudi Arabia in the past week for suspected involvement in promoting and trading illegal Hajj slots. Similar actions were taken against several other foreign nationals.

“The Indonesian government fully supports Saudi Arabia’s policy of ‘La Haj bila Tasrih’, or no Hajj without official permission. If any Indonesians face legal proceedings, the handling will be entirely left to Saudi legal authorities. The Indonesian government will not intervene,” said Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff in a press statement quoted on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Maria added that the crackdown applies not only to prospective pilgrims but also to those organising, facilitating, promoting, or profiting from illegal Hajj practices.

Domestically, the Illegal Hajj Task Force, involving Kemenag, the National Police (Polri), and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, continues prevention efforts at strategic departure points.

“Operations by the Illegal Hajj Task Force have thwarted several suspected illegal departures. This demonstrates the state’s presence in protecting the public from fraud and exploitation disguised as Hajj trips,” Maria stated.

Kemenag advises the public not to be tempted by offers of queue-free Hajj through illegal channels, as they risk financial losses and may lead to criminal penalties, deportation, and bans from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years. “Hajj worship must be performed legally, safely, orderly, and in accordance with regulations. If you find indications of fraud or illegal Hajj practices, report them immediately to the police,” she emphasised.

According to Kemenag reports, 229 batches with 89,051 pilgrims and 912 personnel have been dispatched to the Holy Land as of Monday, 4 May 2026, or the 15th day of Hajj operations. The dispatch process is running smoothly, orderly, and under control.

219 batches with 85,039 pilgrims and 873 personnel have arrived in Madinah. Meanwhile, 68 batches with 26,037 pilgrims and 272 personnel have proceeded to Mecca to perform obligatory Umrah and prepare for the Hajj peak.

From a health perspective, 10,746 pilgrims received outpatient treatment, 139 were referred to Indonesian Hajj Health Clinics (KKHI), and 208 were referred to Saudi hospitals, with 76 still under care.