10 Indonesians Arrested in Saudi Arabia over Suspected Illegal Hajj Practices
Spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, Maria Assegaff, stated that in the past week, 10 Indonesian citizens (WNI) were arrested in Saudi Arabia for allegedly being involved in promoting and trading illegal Hajj practices.
“The Indonesian government fully supports Saudi Arabia’s policy, La Haj bila Tasrih, or no Hajj without official permission. If any Indonesian citizens face legal proceedings, their handling is entirely left to Saudi legal authorities. The Indonesian government will not intervene,” Maria said in an official statement on Tuesday (5/5).
Maria noted that enforcement 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 the Ministry of Religious Affairs, National Police, and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, continues prevention efforts at strategic departure points.
“The Illegal Hajj Task Force operations have thwarted several suspected illegal Hajj departures. This is a form of the state’s presence to protect the public from fraud and exploitation disguised as Hajj travel,” Maria stated.
Maria also urged the public not to be tempted by offers of Hajj without queuing through illegal channels, as it risks financial loss and can lead to criminal sanctions, deportation, and a ban on entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
She emphasised that Hajj worship must be performed in a lawful, safe, orderly, and rule-compliant manner.
“If you find indications of fraud or illegal Hajj practices, immediately report them to the police,” Maria said.
A similar call to avoid performing Hajj using non-Hajj visas was issued by Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, M. Irfan Yusuf, known as Gus Irfan.
Gus Irfan stated that this year, the Saudi government will monitor it more strictly. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia will be stricter in checks upon entering its territory.
Separately, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah warned of severe sanctions for those who proceed recklessly.
They explained that individuals performing or attempting Hajj without permission, including holders of visit visas entering or staying in Mecca and holy areas during that period, face fines of up to 2,000 Saudi Riyals or approximately Rp91.4 million (exchange rate Rp4,569) for individuals.
Then, fines up to SAR 100,000 or approximately Rp456.9 million for those applying for visit visas for individuals violating Hajj rules. Fines apply per person.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah also stated that there are sanctions of deportation and a 10-year entry ban to Saudi Arabia for violators performing Hajj without permission.
“Hajj without permission? Fines up to SAR 100,000 and deportation! The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict sanctions for anyone performing Hajj worship without permission, as well as parties facilitating visit visa holders for illegal Hajj,” the Consulate wrote on its Instagram account on Wednesday (15/4).