19 Indonesian Nationals Detained by Saudi Authorities for Alleged Law Violations
The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary, revealed that 19 Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been secured by Saudi security forces for allegedly being involved in law violations during the 2026 Hajj season.
According to Yusron, the various suspected violations include promoting illegal Hajj services, practices of selling sacrificial animals that do not comply with regulations, and acts of recording or photographing Saudi women without permission.
“The KJRI, through the Pilgrim Protection Team, has visited the police station. Currently, 15 people are being examined in the Khororoh area and 4 others are in Al-Mansyur,” said Yusron, quoted on Friday (15/5).
Of the 19 Indonesians being examined, two have obtained conditional release. The two come from different cases, namely the alleged taking of video of Saudi women in Masjid Nabawi and the case of sacrificial animal sales.
Yusron explained that the Indonesian national involved in the unauthorised video case is temporarily allowed to continue performing Hajj while awaiting developments in the legal process.
“For now, he is indeed still released and allowed to continue his Hajj worship. The KJRI will continue to monitor whether there will be any special rights claims from the woman who was filmed,” he said.
He added that the continuation of the legal process against the Indonesian national will be greatly determined by whether there is a claim from the victim’s side. In the Saudi legal system, he said, there is a difference between general criminal and special criminal offences.
“If there is no special claim, the person can return to the homeland on the scheduled return date. However, if there is a claim from the victim, the legal process continues. This special criminal penalty is highly dependent on the victim’s side’s claim,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, in the four sacrificial animal sales cases being handled by local authorities, one person has been conditionally released because the evidence held is not strong enough.
Yusron asked all parties to respect the ongoing legal process. He affirmed that the 19 Indonesians currently still hold the status of accused and have not been designated as suspects. “Security forces have five days to gather evidence. If not complete, the detention period can be extended up to 20 days. The KJRI has spoken directly with the accused to ensure they receive their rights,” he concluded.