As Hajj Season Nears its End, Hajj Task Force Strengthens Pilgrim Protection
As the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj season approaches its conclusion, the Hajj Task Force is continuously strengthening efforts to protect Indonesian pilgrims through increased coordination and cooperation with the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This commitment was demonstrated during a discussion between the Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Prof. Dr Dedi Prasetyo, and representatives from the Saudi Arabian Presidency of State Security (PSS) regarding Hajj governance and enhanced cooperation at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, on Monday (1/6/2026). The meeting was attended by the Head of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Saudi PSS, Brigadier General Muhammad Al Qohtoni, alongside a high-level Indonesian National Police delegation.
The Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police expressed appreciation to the Saudi Arabian Government and the PSS for the support, services, and security provided during this year’s Hajj, which allowed Indonesian pilgrims to worship safely and peacefully. He emphasised the commitment to strengthening coordination between the Hajj Task Force, the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and all relevant ministries and agencies to provide optimal protection.
Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen communication and existing cooperation, particularly in supporting security, the protection of citizens, the exchange of expertise, and the improvement of pilgrim service quality. This enhanced cooperation focuses on coordination, information exchange, institutional capacity building, and the utilisation of technology to support Hajj governance and security.
Beyond discussing the current season, both parties reviewed best practices in security management and pilgrim services. Saudi Arabia’s experience in managing millions of pilgrims using modern technology serves as a valuable reference for improving large-scale event management in the future. Brigadier General Muhammad Al Qohtoni noted that Indonesia is a strategic partner that contributes significantly to the Hajj administration and has demonstrated excellent cooperation.
The meeting also served as a moment to evaluate this year’s Hajj implementation as a basis for improving governance, services, and security for future seasons. The Hajj Task Force, formed alongside the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has undertaken various supervisory, preventive, and handling measures to protect Indonesian citizens.
According to data from the Hajj and Umrah Law Enforcement Sub-Task Force for 2026, up to 29 May 2026, 29 Police Reports (LP) and 30 Information Reports (LI) were handled, involving 26 suspects and 550 victims, with total community losses amounting to Rp 21,701,700,000. These enforcement actions are the result of synergy between the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate and regional police departments across Indonesia. In addition to law enforcement, the Task Force actively conducts prevention through public education, monitoring departures, and cross-agency coordination to prevent citizens from falling victim to non-procedural Hajj practices or various fraudulent schemes disguised as religious travel.
The Head of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, stated that this year’s evaluation is a vital asset for both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to improve the quality of protection and service. He noted that as the country with the largest number of Hajj pilgrims in the world, Indonesia requires a protection system that is increasingly strong, adaptive, and integrated.