Polri Establishes Hajj and Umrah Task Force to Strengthen Pilgrim Protection

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has established the Hajj and Umrah Task Force to strengthen protection for pilgrims and to address various illegal practices in the organisation of Hajj worship. The formation of this task force follows coordination between Polri and the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag). “Polri is committed to supporting and ensuring the success of the Hajj worship for 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE, so that it runs safely, orderly, and comfortably for all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims,” said Deputy Head of Bareskrim Polri Inspector General of Police Nunung Syaifuddin in Jakarta on Friday. According to Nunung, the organisation of Hajj not only concerns aspects of worship but also citizen protection, national image, and international trust. The Hajj and Umrah Task Force, he said, will serve as a strategic instrument in ensuring pilgrim protection as well as law enforcement against violations in Hajj organisation. Based on Polri’s monitoring, several modus operandi of violations have been identified, including the misuse of non-Hajj visas, the use of visas from other countries for illegal departures, and Ponzi schemes involving pilgrims’ funds. As handling measures, he stated that the task force will prioritise three main strategies: preemptive, preventive, and law enforcement efforts. In preemptive efforts, Polri provides education and disseminates information to the public about official Hajj procedures and increases public literacy on fraud tactics. Then, preventive steps are carried out through joint monitoring and cross-sector coordination with relevant ministries, immigration, and airlines. “Bareskrim Polri collaborates with the Ministry of Religious Affairs in law enforcement efforts against all forms of violations in Hajj worship organisation,” he said. The two-star general urged the public to be more vigilant in choosing travel agencies. “We urge all Indonesian people to ensure Hajj registration is done through official channels, verify the legality of travel agencies, avoid being tempted by no-queue Hajj offers, and always ensure the use of official Hajj visas,” he said. He added that Polri will continue to be present and synergise with all stakeholders to ensure the Hajj worship runs safely, orderly, and provides maximum protection for all Indonesian pilgrims.