Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah: 19 Indonesian Citizens Detained by Saudi Authorities Over Hajj Law Violations

JAKARTA – The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary, has confirmed that 19 Indonesian citizens are currently being secured by Saudi Arabian security forces over suspicions of violating laws during the 2026 Hajj season.

Yusron detailed that the violations include promoting illegal Hajj services, practising the sale of dam (fines) not in accordance with regulations, and documenting or photographing local Saudi women without permission.

“The KJRI, through the Pilgrim Protection Team, has visited the police station. Currently, 15 people are being examined in the Khororoh area and another four are in Al-Mansyur,” Yusron stated in his remarks on Friday (15/5/2026).

“Both are involved in different cases, namely suspicions of recording Saudi women in Masjid Nabawi and one other related to dam sales,” he added.

Specifically for pilgrims caught in the unauthorised video case, Yusron assured that the individual is still permitted to continue their Hajj pilgrimage rites while awaiting legal developments.

“For now, he is indeed still released and may continue performing his Hajj. The KJRI will continue to monitor whether there will be any special claims from the woman who was filmed,” said Yusron.

In the Saudi Arabian legal system, there is a distinction between general criminal and special criminal offences.

“If there is no special claim, the individual can return to the homeland on the scheduled departure. But if there is a claim from the victim, the legal process continues,” he emphasised.

Yusron stressed that the KJRI has spoken directly with the accused to ensure they receive their rights.

He noted that the status of these 19 Indonesian citizens is currently as accused, not suspects.

“Security forces have five days to gather evidence. If not complete, the detention period can be extended up to 20 days,” Yusron concluded.