Prevention of Illegal Hajj and Crackdown on Fraud through Task Force
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, together with the Police, has formed the Task Force for Preventing Illegal Hajj as a strategic step to strengthen protection for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims while firmly addressing illegal practices.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that the formation of the task force is a follow-up to the President’s instructions, implemented under the orders of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah through close coordination with the National Police Chief.
“We, under the orders of the Minister and in coordination with the National Police Chief, are continuing the President’s guidance on protecting Hajj pilgrims, one of which is through the formation of the Task Force for Preventing Illegal Hajj,” said Dahnil on Thursday (9/4).
He revealed that in the previous year’s Hajj organisation, around 1,200 cases of illegal visa usage were found. This situation has become a serious concern for the government as it potentially harms pilgrims and disrupts the governance of Hajj worship.
“Therefore, we are committed to preventing similar practices from recurring, especially through strict supervision at the country’s exit points,” he emphasised.
In addition to the issue of illegal Hajj, the government is also highlighting the prevalence of fraud cases by rogue Hajj and Umrah travel agents with significant financial losses. Regarding this, the government assures that it will take firm legal action against the involved parties.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Police Chief, Dedi Prasetyo, emphasised that the Hajj Task Force will work in an integrated manner from the central to regional levels, prioritising a comprehensive approach.
“This task force is formed to protect Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and to address illegal practices. Its main focus includes preventing illegal Hajj departures through supervision at the country’s exit points, as well as firm action against fraud cases by travel agents,” said Dedi.
According to him, the task force will combine pre-emptive, preventive, and repressive measures. “Pre-emptive actions will be carried out through socialisation and education to the public. Meanwhile, preventive actions will be implemented through strict supervision at airports and ports. Law enforcement will be carried out firmly against criminal perpetrators,” he explained.
Dedi also disclosed the achievements of law enforcement that have been carried out by the National Police. Up to 2026, 42 fraud cases are being processed with an estimated loss of around Rp92.64 billion. In addition, 1,243 prospective pilgrims have been prevented from illegal departures.
“Prevention is carried out at all airports through strict document checks, as well as law enforcement, including criminal penalties, against violations found,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, the task force will strengthen cross-agency coordination, including with authorities in Saudi Arabia, and open a complaint service (hotline) to facilitate the public in reporting suspected violations.
“This policy is in line with the President’s directives to ensure maximum protection for pilgrims and to prevent the burden of costs from becoming even more burdensome for the public,” Dedi concluded.
In response to the issue of increasing the Hajj pilgrim quota, Dahnil emphasised that there has been no decision or negotiation regarding this to date. “As of today, there is no increase in the Hajj pilgrim quota,” Dahnil closed.
Through the formation of this task force, the government hopes that the organisation of Hajj and Umrah worship in 1447 H/2026 AD can run more orderly, safely, and provide optimal protection for all Indonesian pilgrims.