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View all search resultsSaudi Arabia arrests 10 Indonesians for allegedly organizing illegal haj
Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff said the Indonesian government fully respected and supported Saudi Arabia’s policy of la haj bila tasrih (no haj without an official permit).
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Pilgrims perform tawaf (walking around the Kaaba) on April 23, 2026, at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. For the 2026 haj season, Indonesia is sending about 221,000 pilgrims, consisting of 203,320 regular pilgrims (92 percent) and 17,680 special pilgrims (8 percent). (Antara/Citro Atmoko)
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audi Arabian authorities have detained 10 Indonesian nationals over the past week on suspicion of offering and organizing unauthorized haj pilgrimages, officials from the Haj and Umrah Ministry have said.
Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff said the Indonesian government fully respected and supported Saudi Arabia’s policy of la haj bila tasrih (no haj without an official permit).
“If Indonesian citizens are found to have violated this policy, any legal proceedings will be handled entirely under Saudi law. The Indonesian government will not intervene,” Maria said on Tuesday as quoted by state news agency Antara.
Maria said the Saudi government had intensified efforts to curb illegal haj activities, including strict security measures at multiple entry points to Mecca, where pilgrims are subject to layered inspections.
Only individuals holding valid official haj visas are permitted entry into the holy city during the haj season. Those without proper documentation are denied access and may face sanctions ranging from criminal prosecution, deportation and bans on re-entry to Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.
The Haj and Umrah Ministry has urged the public not to be lured by unauthorized haj travel offers, warning that such schemes expose pilgrims to serious risks, including financial losses and safety threats while abroad.
“Pilgrimages must be conducted legally, safely and in an orderly manner in accordance with regulations. If you encounter any indications of fraud or illegal haj practices, report them immediately to the authorities,” Maria said.
