Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Forms Task Force to Strengthen Hajj 2026 Oversight

Tangerang, Banten - The Class I Special Immigration Office at the Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) of Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta) in Tangerang, Banten, has formed a special task force as a strategic step in preparing for the Hajj season of 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE. “We have prepared the preparations. We learned from last year and have formed a special task force team,” said the Head of Soetta Immigration, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, during a coffee morning event with media representatives in Tangerang, Banten, on Friday. He stated that the formation of the cross-sectoral supervisory team is an effort to improve Hajj immigration services and anticipate various potential violations, including visa misuse. “The task force involves various internal and external elements,” he said. Regarding this, Soetta Airport Immigration has coordinated with the airport authority (otban) and local police to ensure smooth operations on the ground. Galih said that an integrated post will be set up in the airport area to strengthen coordination during the departure period of prospective Hajj pilgrims. “As a precaution, the cross-sectoral task force team has been formed, and we are also communicating with otban and the local police,” he added. He assessed that the existence of the task force not only focuses on smooth services but also on suppressing the potential for Hajj visa misuse that often occurs. “The task force’s focus has the duty to prepare for the Hajj implementation well. In addition, it also anticipates Hajj visa misuse,” said Galih. To support the smooth departure process, immigration will also implement a clearance system at embarkation points. He explained that officers will use portable devices to check documents and stamp departures at several embarkation points, such as Cipondoh, Bekasi, and Pondok Gede. “The departure stamp will then be carried out at the embarkation. So, when at Soetta Airport later, the Hajj departure process will be faster,” he said. It was recorded that in 2025, around 1,300 prospective Hajj pilgrims had their departures delayed due to visa misuse. “In this year’s Hajj season, it is estimated that 35,285 prospective pilgrims will pass through Soekarno-Hatta Airport. With the various preparations being carried out, Immigration hopes that the Hajj worship can run more orderly, safe, and smooth,” said Galih.