Risk of Missing Departure: Government Warns of Dangers in Unofficial Hajj Offers like Dakhili and Furoda

The government, through the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron Ambary, has urged Indonesian society not to be tempted by offers to perform Hajj without queuing through unofficial channels such as dakhili Hajj or furoda Hajj. He emphasised that, apart from the risk of failing to depart, such practices can also result in heavy sanctions from Saudi authorities. Yusron stated that his office continues to collaborate with the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to educate the public, particularly prospective pilgrims attempting to travel outside the regular and special Hajj procedures. This education covers legal risks to potential safety dangers. According to him, the currently prevalent trend is offers for dakhili Hajj. This scheme is actually intended for residents in Saudi Arabia, both Saudi citizens and foreigners with official residence permits (iqamah). However, it is being misused by certain parties in Indonesia. “This is legitimate according to the rules but is being abused and traded in Indonesia,” said Yusron when met after attending the opening of the National Coordination Meeting at the Grand El Hajj Hajj Dormitory in Tangerang on Wednesday night (8/4/2026). According to him, many prospective pilgrims arrive early in Saudi Arabia to obtain fake iqamah. “The iqamah is genuine but not truly for residents. Then, they register for Dakhili Hajj by purchasing through Nusuk,” he said. Yusron added that the Saudi government itself has tightened these regulations. This year, the requirements for participating in dakhili Hajj mandate that a person has resided in Saudi Arabia for at least one year. With this provision, opportunities for prospective pilgrims from Indonesia to utilise this scheme are practically closed off.