Three Illegal Hajj Pilgrims En Route via Yogyakarta Airport Successfully Thwarted
The attempt by three individuals to embark on an unofficial or illegal Hajj pilgrimage was successfully thwarted by the Class I TPI Immigration Office in Yogyakarta. The three were suspected of intending to perform the Hajj under the guise of a tourist trip.
Modus Operandi: Tourist Travel
The head of the Class I TPI Immigration Office in Yogyakarta, Tedy Riyandi, revealed that the prevention occurred over the past two weeks after immigration traffic officers (Lantaskim) conducted thorough checks on prospective passengers.
The three were detected as Subjects of Interest (SOI) with maximum scores in the immigration surveillance system.
“They are strongly suspected of intending to perform the Hajj in a non-procedural manner under the guise of tourist travel,” Tedy stated in a written release received by detikJogja on Friday (8/5/2026).
Two Cases
The three illegal Hajj aspirants were involved in two separate cases. The first case occurred on Saturday (25/4), when a man with initials MDM intended to fly to Singapore for tourism. However, based on the system check, MDM was detected as an SOI subject with a score of 100, the maximum score.
“The system revealed that the individual had previously attempted to depart for Jeddah via another border entry but failed,” he said.
The second case occurred on Monday (4/5). Two Indonesian citizens with initials Y and K, who intended to fly to Kuala Lumpur, were also detected as having SOI status with maximum scores. Based on data integration in the immigration system, both had previously attempted similar departures via other airports.
In-Depth Examination
Officers then conducted in-depth interviews and found inconsistencies in the statements of the three prospective passengers. Based on these findings, Immigration decided to delay their departures.
Tedy emphasised that this step was taken as a form of protection for citizens to prevent them from becoming victims of scams or human trafficking crimes disguised as illegal Hajj.
“This travel delay is a serious effort on our part to protect citizens. There are strong indications of risks they would face if they proceeded unofficially,” he said.
He added that strict monitoring through the SOI application is not intended to complicate matters for the public, but to ensure all cross-border travel is conducted according to official procedures.
“We want to ensure every citizen crosses the border with valid documents and procedures for their safety,” he stressed.
Yogyakarta Immigration also urged the public not to be easily tempted by offers of quick Hajj departures that do not comply with government regulations.