DPR's Harsh Warning on Hajj: Illegal Visa, Worship Can Lead to Harm

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Maman Imanul Haq, Photo: Runi/vel/https://emedia.dpr.go.id/

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKB Faction, Maman Imanul Haq, appealed to the public not to be tempted by offers to go on the hajj using unofficial or illegal visas, following the Saudi Arabian government's plan to tighten security for the hajj until eight layers in the 2026 hajj season.

"We have repeatedly conveyed that the public should not be tempted to buy visas other than official Hajj visas. The illegal route does not guarantee security. Going on Hajj must be well-intentioned and carried out according to the rules so that it does not end in harm," said Maman in Jakarta, Friday, January 30.

Maman emphasized that the use of illegal Hajj visas is not only risky from a legal perspective, but also endangers the safety of the congregation. He ensured that pilgrims who use the unofficial route will not have access to health services, protection, or decent accommodation facilities while in the Holy Land.

According to him, in the upcoming Hajj season, document checks in Medina and Mecca will be carried out very strictly. Without an official Hajj visa, it is almost impossible for pilgrims to enter the peak Hajj area.

"The risk is not only deportation, but also fines of up to hundreds of millions of rupiah, even prison threats from Saudi authorities," said Maman.

He also recalled the tragedy in 2025, when a resident of Pamekasan was found dead in the Tan'im desert due to using an illegal visa. This event, said Maman, is a clear proof of the vulnerability of non-official pilgrims, especially when faced with health emergencies.

"Illegal pilgrims are not recorded in the official system, so it is difficult to get medical help quickly. The case of death in the desert last year must be a bitter lesson so that no one else takes this dangerous path," he said.

Therefore, Commission VIII of the DPR RI encourages the government to intensify socialization and education to the public regarding the risks of using non-procedural haj routes. Maman also asked the public to be more vigilant against individuals who promise a quick departure without a queue, but ignore the aspects of legality and safety.

"Education must be strengthened. Do not let the noble intention of worship end in material losses, even the loss of life, just because you want to take a short, unofficial path," he concluded.