Polri and Ministry of Hajj Form 2026 Hajj Task Force to Protect Pilgrims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian National Police (Polri) together with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) have officially formed the 2026 Hajj Task Force as a concrete step to protect prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from illegal practices and scams. The formation of this task force is a direct follow-up to instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to ensure comprehensive protection for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Deputy Chief of Police Komjen Pol. Dedi Prasetyo in Jakarta on Thursday stated that the Hajj Task Force will operate in an integrated manner from the central to regional levels with a comprehensive approach, ranging from education to law enforcement. In carrying out its duties, he revealed, Polri will prioritise education, prevention, and enforcement. Through prevention, Polri will conduct strict surveillance at airports and ports. Meanwhile, through enforcement, Polri will firmly crack down on perpetrators of scams and illegal Hajj operations. In the future, the task force will also open a unified complaint hotline to accelerate responses to public reports. These steps are intended to ensure that the protection of Indonesian pilgrims continues to run smoothly, even while they are in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the three-star police general reminded the public not to be tempted by Hajj offers with unofficial visas, to ensure that travel agencies have official permits, and to report immediately if they find indications of scams. “The modi operandi will continue to evolve. Therefore, public vigilance is key. Polri will act firmly to protect the public,” he said.