Three Indonesians Arrested in Mecca, Suspected of Offering Illegal Hajj Services

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has confirmed that Saudi Arabian security forces arrested three Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the city of Mecca on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

“I just received this information. The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah has received details regarding the arrest of three suspected Indonesians by Saudi security forces in Mecca yesterday, Tuesday 28 April,” said Director of WNI Protection at Kemenlu, Heni Hamidah, at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday (30/4/2026).

Heni stated that the three are suspected of being involved in fraudulent practices and misappropriation related to illegal hajj services, including the dissemination of advertisements for fake hajj services on social media.

“Two of the three individuals were reported to be wearing Indonesian hajj official attire at the time of arrest,” Heni said.

Heni added that the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is currently verifying the identities of the perpetrators and coordinating with local authorities to monitor the subsequent legal process in accordance with applicable regulations.

Irfan warned of the possibility of fines and deportation imposed by Saudi Arabia on Indonesians who violate the rules.

“And even worse, they could be blacklisted for 10 years from re-entering Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah hope for prayers from all society that our hajj pilgrim groups can proceed according to target, the hajj runs smoothly and successfully, the pilgrims are healthy and safe, and they achieve a mabrur hajj,” he said on Wednesday (15/4/2026).