Thirteen Indonesian Citizens Suspected of Illegal Hajj Detained at Kualanamu After Two Abortive Attempts at Soekarno–Hatta and Batam
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Immigration officers at Kualanamu International Airport, Medan, North Sumatra, have detained 13 Indonesian citizens suspected of intending to perform the Hajj unofficially. The group, who attempted to depart on Malaysia Airlines flight MH0861 to Kuala Lumpur, were held at Kualanamu on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
They initially claimed they planned to travel to Malaysia. However, after further examination, they admitted the ultimate aim was to go to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj without official procedures, said Parlindungan, head of the North Sumatra regional office of the Directorate General of Immigration, in a press release on Friday, 22 May 2026.
The Kualanamu immigration officers also recorded a 100 percent score on the Subject of Interest indicator during questioning of the 13 Indonesian nationals, comprising eight men and five women.
Uray Avian, head of the Medan Immigration Office, added that officers identified one passenger named Santo Aseano who was suspected of acting as the field coordinator.
According to crossing data records, the group had previously attempted to depart twice via Soekarno–Hatta International Airport on 10 May 2026 and via Batam, but were thwarted by local immigration authorities.
‘The success in preventing non-procedural Haj pilgrims at three main entry points in Indonesia is the result of real-time integrated national immigration data alignment,’ he said.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko urged the public not to be enticed by offers of instant Haj travel without an official visa. He reminded that the immigration’s firm actions are not to restrict but to protect the state. ‘The spirit of ’Immigration for the People’ means we exist to protect all citizens from potential exploitation, fraud and legal vulnerability abroad. Worship safely, legally, and in accordance with recognised procedures,’ said Hendarsam.