10 Indonesian Citizens Arrested in Illegal Hajj Case, Kemenhaj Supports Saudi Arabia's Policy

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO - Immigration officers serve prospective pilgrims who will depart at the airport in the country. ANTARA/HO-Public Relations Directorate General of Immigration

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia reported that 10 Indonesian citizens were arrested by Saudi security forces for allegedly being involved in illegal haj sales and practices in the past week.

"The Indonesian government fully supports the Saudi Arabian policy, La Haj, if Tasrih, or there is no hajj without official permission," said Kemenag spokesperson Maria Assegaff as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 5.

Maria said the Saudi government was firm in preventing illegal Hajj practices. A number of entrances to Mecca are closely guarded and must pass through multiple checks.

Only pilgrims who have official Hajj visas are allowed to enter Mecca. Meanwhile, those who do not have a Hajj visa will be expelled from the Makkah area and will be subject to the applicable sanctions.

"If there are Indonesian citizens who face legal proceedings, we will completely hand over the handling to the Saudi legal authorities. The Indonesian government will not intervene," said Maria.

According to him, the action does not only apply to prospective pilgrims, but also to those who organize, facilitate, promote, or take advantage of illegal Hajj practices.

In the country, the Illegal Hajj Task Force, which involves the Ministry of Religion, the National Police, and the Ministry of Immigration and Correction, continues to carry out prevention at strategic departure points.

"The Illegal Hajj Task Force operation has thwarted a number of departures suspected of being related to illegal Hajj. This is a form of the state's presence to protect the public from fraud and exploitation under the guise of Hajj departures," said Maria.

The Ministry of Religion appealed to the public not to be tempted by offers to perform the hajj without queuing through illegal channels because it is risky to financially harm and can lead to criminal sanctions, deportation, and a ban on entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.

"The pilgrimage must be carried out in a legitimate, safe, orderly, and according to rules. If you find indications of fraud or illegal Hajj practices, immediately report to the police," said Maria.

He also appreciated the pilgrims, Hajj officers, team leaders, group leaders, and KBIHU guides who had maintained order and complied with the officers' instructions.

On the 15th day of the Hajj departure operation, a total of 229 clusters with 89,051 people and 912 officers were sent to the Holy Land.

A total of 219 clusters with 85,039 people and 873 officers have arrived in Madinah. Meanwhile, 26,037 people and 272 officers have moved to Mecca to perform the obligatory umrah and prepare for the peak of the Hajj.