Indonesian Police to Be Involved in Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia Starting 2027

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that elements of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) will be officially involved in Indonesia’s Hajj mission, or Amirul Hajj, in Saudi Arabia starting next year. “Insha’Allah, starting next year formally, the Amirul Hajj will also include personnel from the police,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak during a press conference at Polri headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday (30/4/2026). This policy is aimed at strengthening aspects of security, pilgrim safety, and the handling of cross-border illegal Hajj cases. According to him, Polri’s involvement is crucial to enhance coordination with Saudi security authorities, especially in dealing with illegal Hajj practices and criminal acts involving Indonesian citizens (WNI). As an initial step, for this year’s Hajj organisation, Deputy Chief of Police Komjen Dedi Prasetyo will also serve in Saudi Arabia to accompany Indonesia’s Hajj mission. “He can then conduct discussions on Hajj governance, particularly related to security and pilgrim safety, with his counterparts there, namely the Saudi Arabian Police,” he explained. In fact, recently, Saudi authorities arrested three Indonesians suspected of producing and distributing fake Hajj documents. Dahnil assessed that cases like this require direct support from Indonesian authorities to ensure legal processes run smoothly and protection for WNI remains guaranteed. According to him, the Polri Hajj Task Force has so far taken preventive measures through education and outreach, and will continue to strengthen law enforcement against illegal Hajj perpetrators. “This is an order from him to truly ensure that this Task Force this year carries out strict and professional law enforcement,” stated Dedi on the same occasion. In addition, Polri also emphasised the importance of communication between law enforcement agencies of both countries to prevent similar crimes, including scams that exploit Hajj departures. The Deputy Chief of Police stressed that the 2026 Hajj Task Force operates with an integrated approach through preemptive, preventive, and repressive measures to ensure the public is protected from various criminal modi operandi. “This year’s Hajj Task Force focuses on prevention as well as strict and professional law enforcement, especially against perpetrators who repeatedly commit fraud,” the Deputy Chief of Police emphasised.