Ministry of Hajj to Enhance Polri's Technical Involvement in Saudi Arabia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) wishes to increase the technical involvement of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in Saudi Arabia, including proposing additional personnel to bolster coordination with local authorities. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that this enhancement aims to improve the organisation and management of Hajj worship, while ensuring the protection of Indonesian pilgrims. “We agreed earlier that we will request additional personnel for Polri’s technical involvement in Saudi Arabia to engage more with the Saudi Police regarding the organisation and management of Hajj there,” said Wamenhaj Dahnil during a meeting with Deputy Police Chief Komjen Pol Dedi Prasetyo at National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday. Wamenhaj Dahnil noted that the government continues to strengthen efforts to prevent illegal Hajj practices through cross-agency coordination, particularly with law enforcement authorities via the formation of the Hajj Task Force. Wamenhaj Dahnil explained that one of the main issues discussed in the meeting was the police’s role in handling criminal acts occurring in Saudi Arabia, especially those involving Indonesian citizens (WNI). According to him, various violation practices such as illegal Hajj and fraud handled by Saudi security forces require assistance and escort from the Indonesian side. For example, he said, Saudi police authorities recently arrested three Indonesian citizens suspected of fraud by producing and distributing fake documents related to Hajj organisation. Meanwhile, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Control at Kemenhaj Harun Arrasyid stated that the Indonesian citizens arrested by Saudi police are suspected to be support staff for Hajj officials. Kemenhaj, he said, is currently investigating the case, which will later serve as material for evaluation to ensure Hajj worship is free from illegal practices. “This isn’t from here, from the mukimin there. This is what we’re investigating further, because they’re being examined in closed sessions there. It must be traced, and recruitment methods tightened,” he said.