Three Indonesians Arrested for Illegal Hajj Services: What is the Government's and Police's Response?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The enforcement of Hajj regulations in Saudi Arabia has once again come under the spotlight following the arrest by local police of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) suspected of involvement in illegal Hajj services. In response to the case, the Indonesian government is strengthening cross-border coordination, including more active involvement of the National Police (Polri). According to Saudi Gazette on Thursday (30/4/2026), the incident began when security patrol officers in Mecca arrested three WNI who were found to have disseminated misleading advertisements on social media. During the operation, officers seized several pieces of evidence, including cash, computer devices, and fake Hajj identity cards. The three suspects were then handed over to the prosecution to undergo legal proceedings in accordance with the applicable regulations in that country. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed the incident involving the arrested WNI. He reported the matter to Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Pol Dedi Prasetyo during an audience at National Police Headquarters on Thursday (30/4/2026). Dahnil stated that the arrest of the three WNI has become a serious concern for the Indonesian government. This is because the case involves citizens abroad and is related to criminal acts of fraud. “They committed these criminal acts and were arrested by the Saudi Arabian Police, which naturally requires assistance from our police in Indonesia,” said Dahnil during a press conference on Thursday at National Police Headquarters. According to Dahnil, the perpetrators are suspected of producing and distributing fake documents related to Hajj pilgrimage services. Such practices are considered highly dangerous because they do not use official visas and could ensnare victims in illegal activities abroad. Therefore, the Indonesian government is pushing for strengthened coordination with Saudi authorities. One of the measures is through increased technical involvement of Polri personnel there. “We agreed earlier that we will request additional involvement of Republic of Indonesia Police personnel technically in Saudi Arabia to engage more with the Saudi Arabian Police regarding the regulation and management of Hajj there,” he explained.