Government Issues Ultimatum to Illegal Hajj Pilgrims

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian government has issued a harsh ultimatum to the public regarding the increasingly prevalent practice of non-procedural or illegal Hajj ahead of the 2026 Hajj season. In addition to posing high risks to pilgrims, this practice opens the door to fraud and results in severe sanctions from Saudi authorities. Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) of Indonesia, Hasan Afandi, emphasised that the Saudi government will not tolerate Hajj performed outside official procedures. “The Saudi government imposes sanctions on those who do so, ranging from denial of entry to Mecca and the areas of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, fines, deportation, to being placed on a blacklist and barred from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years,” Hasan stated firmly during a press conference on Saturday (2/5/2026). “We leave the handling entirely in accordance with the applicable legal procedures in Saudi Arabia,” he said. Prevention efforts have already been undertaken. From 18 April to 1 May 2026, Indonesian Immigration recorded preventing the departure of 42 prospective pilgrims suspected of intending to perform Hajj using non-Hajj visas such as work, visit, or transit visas. Hasan stressed that such practices clearly violate regulations. “Performing Hajj using a non-Hajj visa is illegal and violates Saudi government regulations,” he said. On the other hand, cases of illegal Hajj fraud are also beginning to emerge. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest of three Indonesian citizens in Mecca by Saudi security forces on 28 April 2026. Director of WNI Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, stated that the three are suspected of being involved in fraud and misappropriation of illegal Hajj services through fake advertisements on social media. “Two of the three individuals were reported to be wearing Indonesian Hajj official attire at the time of arrest,” Heni said. Authorities also found evidence in the form of money, computer devices, and suspected fake Hajj cards. Currently, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is still verifying identities and coordinating with local authorities.