Less Than a Month After Formation, Hajj 2026 Task Force Uncovers Dozens of Cases!

The Task Force (Satgas) for Handling Illegal Hajj and Umrah, newly formed, has hit the ground running. Although not yet a full month since its establishment on 14 April 2026, the Hajj 2026 Task Force has already demonstrated tangible results in dismantling criminal practices targeting prospective pilgrims. Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Wakapolri), Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, emphasised that this year’s Hajj Task Force is operating with an integrated approach, from prevention to strict enforcement against perpetrators. “This year’s Hajj Task Force focuses on prevention as well as firm and professional law enforcement, particularly against repeat offenders,” stated Wakapolri at the Bareskrim Polri Headquarters lobby in Jakarta on Thursday, 30 April 2026. This swift action is carried out through synergy between the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Both have exchanged data and mapped out suspected perpetrators involved in illegal Hajj practices. The results are quite shocking. From the mapping, perpetrators operating with repeated modus operandi were found, even committing fraud dozens of times. Not only domestically, supervision has been expanded abroad. Polri will collaborate with relevant parties in Saudi Arabia to strengthen protection for Indonesian citizens, including those caught in legal cases. This step follows the case of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) detained by Saudi security forces over alleged Hajj document forgery. Since its formation, the Hajj 2026 Task Force has also recorded a surge in public reports. To date, 115 reports have been received, with 68 cases still in the handling process. Case handling is conducted comprehensively. Mediation and restorative justice approaches are prioritised, but if no agreement is reached, legal processes will be pursued firmly. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, appreciated the swift actions of Polri in eradicating illegal Hajj practices that harm the public. “We ensure the state is fully present, both domestically and in the Holy Land, to protect pilgrims from various forms of crime,” he said. Moving forward, the synergy between Polri and the Ministry of Hajj will continue to be strengthened, including plans to involve police elements in the Amirul Hajj structure to support the overall security and safety of Indonesian pilgrims.