JAKARTA - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah asked the public not to be tempted by offers to go on the haj without a queue through an unofficial channel. Illegal haj practices risk making pilgrims refused entry into Mecca, deported, and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
Head of the Kemenag Public Relations Bureau, Moh. Hasan Afandi, said the government supports the Saudi Arabian Government's campaign, "No Hajj Without Permission". Every pilgrim is required to use official channels and a Hajj visa.
"Hajj must be carried out through official channels and using a Hajj visa so that the worship runs orderly, safely, and does not pose legal risks for the congregation," said Hasan at the Hajj Media Center in Jakarta, Saturday, May 2.
According to Hasan, the Ministry of Religion together with the National Police and the Ministry of Immigration and Correction has formed a Task Force for the Prevention of Illegal Hajj. This task force strengthens supervision, prevents departure from the beginning, socializes the rules to the public, and handles criminal elements in illegal Hajj practices.
From April 18 to May 1, 2026, Indonesian Immigration officers have prevented the departure of 42 non-procedural prospective pilgrims.
Hasan emphasized that work visas, pilgrimage or visitation visas, and transit visas should not be used for hajj. The use of non-hajj visas to enter the haj worship series violates the provisions of the Saudi Arabian Government.
The penalty is not light. Pilgrims can be denied entry into Mecca and the areas of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. They can also be fined, deported, and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
The action also targets those who organize, offer, or facilitate illegal haj departures.
"We appeal to the public not to be tempted by illegal offers to perform the hajj without queuing. Report to the police if there are parties who offer or organize non-procedural hajj departures," said Hasan.
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