Three Individuals Caught Attempting Illegal Hajj Departure via Yogyakarta Airport
The Class I Special Immigration Office in Yogyakarta has foiled the departure of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) suspected of intending to perform Hajj worship non-procedurally via Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). The three are believed to be attempting an illegal Hajj under the guise of tourist trips to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
The Head of the Class I Special Immigration Office in Yogyakarta, Tedy Riyandi, stated that the prevention occurred over the past two weeks after Immigration Traffic Officers (Lantaskim) conducted in-depth checks on prospective passengers. The three were detected as Subjects of Interest (SOI) with maximum scores in the immigration surveillance system.
“The three are strongly suspected of carrying out Hajj worship non-procedurally under the guise of tourist travel,” said Tedy in a written statement received by detikJogja on Friday (8/5/2026).
The first case occurred on Saturday (25/4), when a man with initials MDM was about to fly to Singapore for tourism reasons. However, from the system check, MDM was detected as an SOI subject with a score of 100, the maximum score.
“From the system, it is known that the individual had previously attempted to depart for Jeddah via another border gate but failed,” he said.
A similar case was found again on Monday (4/5). Two Indonesian citizens with initials Y and K, who were about 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.
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 so they do not become victims of scams or human trafficking crimes disguised as illegal Hajj.
“This departure delay is a serious effort on our part to protect citizens. There are strong indications of risks they would face if they still depart unofficially,” he said.
He added that strict monitoring through the SOI application is not to complicate the public, but to ensure all cross-country travels are carried out 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 to depart for Hajj through quick channels that do not comply with government regulations.