24 Indonesian Citizens Arrested Using Visa Nonhajj, Vice President: Travel Don't Give Opportunities Like That

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin gave a press statement after reviewing the fast track service at Adi Soemarmo Airport, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, Friday (31/5/2024). ANTARA/HO-Secretariat Vice President

JAKARTA - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin emphasized that the Hajj travel agency does not provide opportunities to issue pilgrimage or non-hajj visas that can result in violations. The Vice President's statement was in response to 24 Indonesian citizens who were caught by Saudi Arabian security forces for using a pilgrimage visa or non-hajj visa during a raid at the Ali Beer Mosque, Saudi Arabia. "I hope that travel does not provide opportunities like this," said the Vice President when giving a press statement after reviewing the fast track service at Adi Soemarmo Airport, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, Friday. The vice president requested that there be no more violations committed by pilgrims and pilgrims. This is because the Indonesian government already has a good agreement with the Government of Saudi Arabia, one of which is by increasing this year's hajj quota by 20 thousand people. "I don't think this should happen again with these violations, because we already have a good agreement with the Government of Saudi Arabia to comply with all these rules," said the Vice President.

Previously, as many as 24 holders of unofficial Hajj visas had to deal with Saudi Arabian security forces when taking Miqat at Beer Ali on Tuesday, May 28. They are known to be unable to show supporting documents for the pilgrimage when leaving Beer Ali for Makkah. Because they were considered illegal, they were eventually taken to the Saudi police station and had to undergo trial. Indonesian Consul General Jeddah Yusron B. Ambary said 22 Indonesian citizens were finally decided to be deported and also banned for 10 years unable to enter Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the fate of two other people who are coordinators is still following the applicable legal process. According to the provisions, they will be fined 50 thousand riyals, six months in detention and 10 years in banned.