10 Indonesians Arrested in Saudi Arabia, Suspected of Involvement in Illegal Hajj

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), Maria Assegaff, revealed that ten Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for allegedly being involved in illegal Hajj activities.

“Based on information we received from the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah over the past week, ten Indonesian citizens or WNI have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for allegedly being involved in the promotion and practice of selling illegal Hajj,” Maria said during an online press conference via the Kemenhaj RI YouTube account on Tuesday (5/5/2026).

Maria emphasised that if any WNI face legal proceedings due to violations, the handling is entirely handed over to Saudi Arabian legal authorities in accordance with applicable provisions.

This enforcement applies not only to prospective pilgrims but also to parties who organise, facilitate, promote, or even profit from illegal Hajj practices.

Maria stressed that the government is committed to preventing non-procedural or illegal Hajj practices that risk violating Saudi Arabian authority regulations.

“Non-procedural Hajj is the practice of departing for Hajj outside the official government mechanism,” she said.

“The Indonesian government fully supports the seriousness of Saudi Arabian security authorities in enforcing the ‘La Hajj Bila Tasrih’ policy or no Hajj without an official permit,” Maria stated.

The policy aims to ensure the smooth running, orderliness, and quality of services for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage for millions of Muslims from around the world.

“The Indonesian government respects and supports all firm steps taken by the Saudi Arabian government in eradicating non-procedural or illegal Hajj practices,” Maria said.