Weekly Update, Ministry of Hajj: 10 Indonesians Arrested in Saudi Arabia
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), has emphasised its commitment to strengthening governance and protection for Hajj pilgrims. Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff stated that, as of Tuesday (5 May 2026) or the 15th operational day of this year’s Hajj, proceedings have run smoothly, orderly, and under control. Based on data up to Monday (4 May 2026), 229 flight groups (kloter) comprising 89,051 pilgrims and 912 Hajj officials have been dispatched to the Holy Land. “The departure, arrival, and movement processes of pilgrims continue with accompaniment by officials at all service points. Everything is done to ensure the comfort, security, and safety of the pilgrims,” said Maria Assegaff in her statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (5 May 2026). She explained that 219 kloter with 85,039 pilgrims and 873 officials have arrived in Madinah. Meanwhile, 68 kloter with 26,037 pilgrims and 272 officials have moved to Makkah to perform mandatory Umrah and prepare for the peak of Hajj. In terms of health, 10,746 pilgrims have received outpatient treatment. 139 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims were referred to the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI). 208 pilgrims were referred to Saudi Arabian hospitals, with 76 still under treatment. Indonesians arrested Regarding the prevention of illegal Hajj, Maria cited information from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah. In the past week, 10 Indonesian citizens (WNI) were arrested in Saudi Arabia because they were suspected of being involved in promoting and practising the sale and purchase of illegal Hajj. Similar actions were taken against several non-Indonesian nationals. “The Indonesian government fully supports Saudi Arabia’s policy, La Haj bila Tasrih or no Hajj without official permission. If any Indonesians face legal proceedings, their handling is entirely left to Saudi legal authorities. The Indonesian government will not intervene,” Maria explained.