Ministry of Hajj and KJRI Jeddah Urge Indonesians to Avoid Illegal Hajj Departures
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), through the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Organisation (PHU), together with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah, has reminded the public to be more vigilant against various methods of illegal Hajj departures. This appeal comes alongside the tightening of Hajj worship organisation rules by the Saudi Arabian government this year.
The warning was emphasised during a meeting between the Director General of PHU, Puji Raharjo, and the Consul General of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary, held at the KJRI Jeddah office. Both parties agreed to enhance public education to prevent Indonesian citizens from getting involved in non-procedural Hajj practices.
Director General of PHU, Puji Raharjo, stressed that only official visas recognised by Saudi authorities are valid requirements for performing Hajj.
“It is important for the public to understand that the Saudi Arabian government only recognises official Hajj visas as valid documents for performing Hajj worship,” said Puji in his statement on Sunday (5/4).
The same sentiment was echoed by the Consul General of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary. He reminded prospective pilgrims not to be tempted by offers of quick routes that do not comply with regulations.
“The public should not be easily swayed by promises of fast tracks. Visas for visits, tourist visas, or other documents outside the provisions cannot be used for Hajj. Only Hajj visas stipulated by Saudi authorities are accepted,” he asserted.
According to records from KJRI Jeddah, Saudi security forces frequently crack down on violations committed by pilgrims, including Indonesians using non-Hajj visas. The methods discovered vary, from the use of fake Hajj attire to documents that do not match official identities.
Yusron warned that the consequences for violators are not light. In addition to failing to perform Hajj worship, perpetrators can face fines, deportation, and even a ban on entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
On the other hand, misunderstandings regarding Haji Dakhili or domestic Hajj were also discussed. This scheme is only intended for local Saudi residents and expatriates who have valid residence permits (iqamah) for at least one year, so it cannot be utilised by pilgrims from Indonesia who do not go through official procedures.
The public is also urged to be more careful in responding to offers of Hajj packages without queues, including those known as Furoda. The government emphasises that what matters is not the package name, but the clarity of the visa, the legality of the organiser, and compliance with regulations.
“The public should not fixate on the package name, but ensure the certainty of the Hajj visa, the legality of the organiser, and the suitability of the procedures with official government rules,” he added.
The Ministry and KJRI Jeddah assess the need for strengthened supervision and synergy between agencies to prevent fraud in worship travel. Through more massive education and improvements to the Umrah data system, it is hoped that protection for Indonesian pilgrims will be increasingly optimal.
The government stresses that adherence to official procedures is the main key to ensuring that Hajj worship can be carried out safely, orderly, and with devotion in the Holy Land.