Revealed! Six Hajj Portion Numbers in East Java Suspected of Using False Data
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has found indications of irregularities in six out of seven regular Hajj portion number transfers currently being investigated in East Java. Preliminary inspections have also uncovered suspected use of inaccurate data and indications of transactions related to the transfer of these portion numbers.
The investigation is being conducted by the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Management Control, following a clarification and examination process that has been ongoing since August 2026.
Ridwan Gaos, Head of the Sub-directorate for Regular Hajj Enforcement at the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Management Control, stated that seven portion number transfers are the subject of the investigation. “From the seven portion number transfers we are investigating today, six transfers were found to have issues or discrepancies in data/documents compared to regulations. This is a development from the examinations and clarifications we previously conducted,” Gaos said in a statement in Surabaya, reported on Sunday (20/9/2026).
According to Gaos, the team found indications that the data used in the six transfer applications did not match actual conditions. “The team has performed a cross-check of documents and statements from the involved parties. From that process, there are indications that six transfer applications used allegedly incorrect or false data. We also found indications of transactions related to the transfer of these portion numbers,” he explained.
Kemenhaj is conducting the inspection by matching various documents and statements from parties involved in the portion number transfer process. The investigation includes pilgrims, Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU), and several agencies involved in the issuance and validation of documents.
“We are performing cross-confirmations because we are not just examining a single document. Population data, family relationships, supporting documents for the transfer, statements from pilgrims, and the parties assisting the process must all be matched to ensure the construction of the event is clear,” said Gaos.
Kemenhaj has also requested information from the Civil Registry Offices of Surabaya and Pamekasan to verify population data related to the case. During the inspections held from 14-18 September 2026, 19 out of approximately 30 identified parties related to the case were questioned. These individuals represent various sectors, including regional Kemenhaj officials, KBIHU, population agencies, hospitals, pilgrims, and pilgrims’ families.
While several other parties are scheduled for questioning, some individuals have not yet been examined as they could not be reached and are still being sought.
Hajj Portion Numbers Must Not Become a Commodity
The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management Control, Harun Al Rasyid, emphasised that the government will continue to investigate the alleged irregularities to ensure the rights of pilgrims are protected. “Every report indicating a violation will be followed up. The transfer of portion numbers concerns the rights of pilgrims and must not become a space for transactions or misuse. We want to ensure the process is correct, the data is valid, and the rights of pilgrims are protected,” said Harun.
He added that the mechanism for transferring portion numbers has clearly regulated requirements and recipients. Therefore, portion numbers must not be traded to secure a departure queue. “We want to send a clear message that Hajj portion numbers are not a commodity to be traded. The state must ensure that the Hajj queue and services run fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the rules,” he asserted.
Harun stated that Kemenhaj will not stop at the stage of receiving reports or conducting clarifications. If the investigation finds indications of violations requiring further action, the case will be pursued in accordance with the relevant authority and legal provisions. “If the examination process finds indications of violations that require further handling, we will certainly follow up according to the authority and legal provisions in force. At the same time, the entire process will uphold the principle of the presumption of innocence,” he said.
Although irregularities have been found in six transfers, Kemenhaj emphasised that the investigation is ongoing. The government has not yet concluded the liability of each party involved. “We work based on data, documents, and statements. Therefore, the process must be complete. The results of this investigation will serve as the basis for determining the next course of action according to the authority of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” concluded Gaos.