Commission VIII Urges Government to Investigate Arrest of Three Indonesians in Illegal Hajj Case
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission VIII Abidin Fikri has urged the government to investigate allegations of involvement by hajj officials following the arrest of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) by Saudi Arabian authorities in connection with illegal hajj activities.
Abidin stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah must immediately monitor the developments of the case intensively and ensure that the legal process is conducted fairly.
“If it is proven that Indonesian hajj officials are involved, they must be dealt with firmly. Their status as officials must be revoked, they must be repatriated to Indonesia, and processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
The statement was made by Abidin in response to reports that security forces in Mecca arrested three Indonesians suspected of offering illegal hajj services through social media. Two of them were reportedly wearing attire resembling that of Indonesian hajj officials.
Commission VIII respects the actions of Saudi Arabian security forces. According to him, law enforcement against illegal hajj practices is part of efforts to maintain order in hajj arrangements while protecting pilgrims from potential fraud and legal risks.
He views this crackdown as a serious warning for the public not to be tempted by non-procedural hajj offers that risk harming pilgrims and tarnishing Indonesia’s reputation.
“Commission VIII of the House of Representatives respects the law enforcement actions taken by Saudi Arabian authorities. This must serve as an important lesson that mandatory hajj worship must be conducted through official channels for the safety, security, and legal certainty of pilgrims,” he said.
He emphasised that hajj worship must be carried out through official mechanisms, either through regular hajj quotas or special hajj arrangements regulated by the government.
Official channels are not merely an administrative matter but also concern the state’s protection of pilgrims’ safety and rights while in Saudi Arabia.
Abidin warned that illegal hajj practices not only harm prospective pilgrims financially but also potentially cause serious legal issues, from deportation and detention to entry bans into Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, he urged the public not to easily believe offers of instant hajj departures promoted through social media or other unofficial channels.
In addition, he encouraged the government to strengthen socialisation of the dangers of illegal hajj. Public education must be continuously expanded so that prospective pilgrims understand that hajj worship can only be carried out safely and legally through official channels recognised by the government.
As a legislator in the fields of religion and social affairs, he assured that Commission VIII will continue to oversee hajj arrangements to ensure they run orderly, safely, and in accordance with regulations, including ensuring maximum protection for all pilgrims.
With strict oversight, the House hopes that illegal hajj practices can be curbed and public trust in hajj arrangements remains maintained.
News of the arrests was confirmed by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director of WNI Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heni Hamidah said her side is verifying the perpetrators.
“Currently, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is verifying the identities of the perpetrators, coordinating with local authorities to guide the subsequent legal process in accordance with applicable regulations,” Heni said in Jakarta on Thursday.
Heni explained that the three individuals, suspected to be Indonesian nationals, were arrested by Saudi Arabian security forces in the city of Mecca on Tuesday (28/4) for alleged involvement in illegal hajj practices.
At the time of arrest, two of the three were reportedly using Indonesian hajj official attire. In addition, authorities found several pieces of evidence, such as money, computer devices, and suspected fake hajj cards.
“The three are suspected of being involved in fraud and misappropriation related to illegal hajj services, including through the dissemination of fake hajj service advertisements on social media,” she clarified.