Immigration Thwarts 23 Indonesians Attempting Illegal Hajj Departure
Immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang thwarted 23 Indonesian pilgrims who intended to depart for Hajj in a non-procedural manner.
In an official release from the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, it was revealed that the pilgrims were heading to Saudi Arabia via Terminal 3 in the early hours of 1 May.
“All the Indonesian citizens were part of one group destined for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saudi Airlines flight SV827,” stated their official release on Friday (1/5).
“Of the total, there were 12 men and 11 women,” they added.
The release also explained that immigration officers discovered inconsistencies between the travellers’ statements and their documents.
Further examination revealed that the group planned to perform Hajj “using visas not suited to their purpose.”
They were even initially directed to provide statements as workers in Saudi Arabia before admitting their true intentions.
Furthermore, the release detailed that one person in the group acted as the coordinator, while the other 22 were prospective non-procedural Hajj pilgrims.
In response to these findings, the officers immediately coordinated with the Hajj Task Force, involving the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Police, ultimately deciding to delay the departure of the entire group.
The Directorate General of Immigration stated that this measure is part of strengthening immigration oversight during the 2026 Hajj season.
Immigration, they continued, is optimising checks at Immigration Checkpoints (TPI), enhancing risk analysis through the Passenger Analysis Unit (PAU), and strengthening inter-agency synergy.
Since the start of this year’s Hajj season, the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office has delayed the departure of a total of 42 Indonesians suspected of intending non-procedural travel.
Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office, Galih P. Kartika Perdhana, emphasised that this step represents the state’s presence in protecting its people.
“We carry out this delay to prevent Indonesians from becoming victims of non-procedural Hajj practices that risk entry denial and legal issues in Saudi Arabia,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, stressed that all immigration units are urged to heighten vigilance during the Hajj season.
“This prevention is part of our commitment to protect Indonesians from visa misuse and potential legal risks in the destination country,” Hendarsam explained.
Immigration, he added, will continue to be present through strengthened oversight and inter-agency synergy as a manifestation of immigration for the people.
Hendarsam then urged the public to perform Hajj through official channels in accordance with applicable regulations, for safety, comfort, and protection while in the Holy Land.