Indonesian Consulate affirms Saudi Arabian government's seriousness in combating illegal Hajj practices
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah emphasises that the Government of Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its seriousness in combating illegal Hajj practices through multi-layered inspections and raids.
“Saudi Arabian security apparatus, particularly in the city of Mecca, are aggressively conducting raids on all parties suspected of involvement in legal violations related to the execution of illegal Hajj,” said the Consul General of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary, when contacted in Jakarta on Thursday.
Yusron’s statement responds to the arrest of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) by Saudi Arabian security forces for allegedly engaging in illegal Hajj practices. Two of them are suspected to be support staff for Hajj officials.
In a social media post by the Saudi Arabian security apparatus, various law enforcement efforts and arrests of parties attempting to enter the city of Mecca without a tasreh (permit) are evident.
“This shows the seriousness of the Saudi Arabian security apparatus in combating illegal Hajj practices,” said Yusron.
During a raid on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, three individuals suspected to be Indonesian nationals were arrested in the city of Mecca. In the raid on their residence, initial evidence pointing to the execution of illegal Hajj was found.
The two individuals wearing Indonesian Hajj official attire are currently undergoing verification regarding the identities of the suspected perpetrators.
“KJRI Jeddah will soon coordinate with the Saudi Arabian security apparatus to oversee the legal process for the three suspected Indonesian nationals in question,” said Yusron.
Based on instructions from the Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, Yusron stated that if the two individuals are proven to be Hajj officials, they will immediately face sanctions in the form of dismissal and blacklisting as officials.
“Therefore, KJRI Jeddah once again urges Indonesian nationals to jointly comply with Saudi Arabian regulations. Do not let the intention for a blessed Hajj turn into a flight,” he said.