Chronology of Saudi Arabian Authorities Arresting 3 Indonesians: Suspected of Offering Illegal Hajj

Saudi Arabian security authorities arrested three Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (28 April 2026). The trio were apprehended by Saudi security forces for allegedly offering illegal Hajj through scam advertisements on social media. “The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah has received information regarding the arrest of three individuals suspected to be Indonesians by Saudi security authorities in the city of Mecca yesterday, Tuesday 28 April,” said Director of WNI Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Heni Hamidah, at the Kemlu office in Jakarta on Thursday (30 April 2026). “Two of the three individuals were reported to be wearing Indonesian Hajj official attire at the time of arrest,” Heni revealed. She explained that the three are suspected of being involved in fraud and embezzlement practices related to illegal Hajj services. Some of these scams are believed to have been carried out through the dissemination of fake Hajj service advertisements on social media. Currently, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah is verifying the identities of the perpetrators and coordinating with local authorities to monitor the subsequent legal process in accordance with applicable regulations. “The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah has received information regarding the arrest of three individuals suspected to be Indonesians by Saudi security authorities in the city of Mecca yesterday, Tuesday 28 April,” Heni stated. The authorities have emphasised that violators of the rules will be firmly dealt with, from arrests to severe legal sanctions. According to a report from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Mecca police had previously arrested a Yemeni national who was caught spreading fake advertisements on social media. He was offering illegal entry permits to Mecca, which turned out to be a scam. Five Egyptian nationals were also detained for violating Hajj rules by entering and staying in Mecca without official permits. A fine of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately Rp 92.4 million) is imposed on anyone who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without permission, including holders of visit visas who enter Mecca during the period from 18 April to 31 May. Meanwhile, a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately Rp 462 million) is applied to parties facilitating violations, such as applying for visit visas for illegal Hajj, transporting, or providing accommodation for pilgrims without permission. The fine amount may be multiplied depending on the number of violators involved.