YIA Immigration Thwarts Departure of 3 Non-Procedural Hajj Pilgrims

Immigration officers at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) detected three individuals attempting to depart for Hajj without official procedures, or non-procedural Hajj pilgrims, on Wednesday (13/5). The three men, initials HWFR, 43, AJ, 48, and DAJ, 33, were set to leave Indonesia via YIA for Singapore. However, all three failed to board their flight to Singapore after YIA immigration officers halted their departure process just before entering the international flight gate. The three passengers on Scoot flight TR249 were from outside the Yogyakarta region. HWFR is from Pamekasan, AJ from Sampang, while DAJ is from Tangerang. The Head of the Class I Special Immigration Office in Yogyakarta, Tedy Riyandi, in a written statement on Thursday (14/5) evening, explained that the examination results indicated the three were suspected of intending to perform non-procedural Hajj worship. He stated that based on tracing through the Molina Border Crossing digital system and SIPP, officers found this group had previously attempted to exit to Singapore via the sea route in Batam on 10 May 2026 using the Horizon 7 ship. However, he added, that attempt failed. Despite the failure, the three did not give up and tried again via the air route, choosing YIA as the departure point. Nevertheless, Tedy clarified, their identities had already been detected in the immigration surveillance system. He said the officers’ suspicions grew stronger when HWFR and AJ’s passports were scanned. The system displayed a SOI (Subject of Interest) score of 100, the highest surveillance indicator for passengers indicated as potential non-procedural Hajj pilgrims. He mentioned there was a discrepancy between the travel destination statements and the border crossing intelligence data, leading officers to decide to delay their departure. YIA Immigration has recorded that up to 13 May 2026, six passengers have been successfully prevented from departing by YIA Airport Immigration due to suspicions of performing non-procedural Hajj worship. The Head of the Class I Special Immigration Office in Yogyakarta, Tedy Riyandi, confirmed the departure delay action. According to him, the step is part of efforts to protect Indonesian citizens as well as enforce immigration law. “It is true, our officers at YIA Airport have delayed the departure of these three Indonesian citizens. This step was taken based on the results of in-depth examination and profiling showing strong indications that they would perform Hajj worship in a non-procedural manner,” said Tedy Riyandi. He emphasised that non-procedural Hajj practices carry high risks, both in terms of safety and legal certainty for the 2026 Hajj pilgrims in the destination country. “We are committed to continuing to strengthen surveillance to protect Indonesian citizens from facing legal issues, entry refusals, or deportations in the destination country. We urge the public not to take risks by using unofficial routes. Use legal channels for safety, comfort, and peace in worship,” he concluded.