Two Women Arrested in Serang for Hajj Package Fraud, Losses Reach IDR 7.65 Billion
The Banten Regional Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate has arrested two women, identified by the initials NN (53) and NZ (31), in connection with a fraud case involving total losses of IDR 7.65 billion. They allegedly deceived prospective pilgrims by offering a special Mujamalah or Furoda Hajj package with VIP facilities.
According to the Head of Public Relations for the Banten Regional Police, Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, the case began when the victim, identified as AW, a business owner in Serang Regency, was offered a special Mujamalah Hajj package at a cost of IDR 320 million per person. The victim requested an upgrade to services including hotels, food, and transportation.
Following discussions, the cost was increased to IDR 450 million per person for the upgraded services. The victim agreed and registered 19 people for the package. The victim subsequently transferred IDR 7.65 billion of the total IDR 8.55 billion billed by the organiser.
The group was scheduled to depart on 16 May 2026, but the trip never materialised. The suspects claimed there were delays in issuing the visas, but the Hajj visas were ultimately never issued, resulting in the substantial financial loss.
Police stated that suspect NZ had twice ignored summonses from investigators and was suspected of planning to flee abroad. She was apprehended on 24 June 2026 at an apartment in Tangerang City, where suspect NN was also arrested.
The motive was to obtain profit for themselves or other parties. The modus operandi involved NN offering the packages and claiming to own a travel company, HKN, capable of dispatching pilgrims for the special Mujamalah Hajj, while NZ facilitated the provision of a bank account to receive the victim’s payments.
Both suspects have been detained at the Banten Regional Police detention centre for further legal proceedings. They face charges under Article 492 and/or Article 486 of the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023) and Article 125 in conjunction with Article 118 (Law No. 8 of 2019), carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to IDR 10 billion.