Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said 168 of the 177 Indonesians recently arrested by Philippine immigration officials at Manila International Airport would be sent home today. However, nine must stay behind for the investigation into what appears to be a case of international organized crime. Numerous travel agencies are believed to have helped the Indonesian citizens try and go on the pilgrimage posing as Filipinos.

"The 168 Indonesians stranded in Manila are [now] in a ready-to-go status," the minister said on the sidelines of a working visit to Hangzhou, China, for the G20 Summit. "Nine persons have to stay [there] longer, since deeper information is [still] needed from them."

Jakarta is facilitating their return on an AirAsia flight from Manila to Makassar, in South Sulawesi. About 110 of them will get off the aircraft in Makassar, while 58 will continue their flight to Jakarta.

Indonesia’s ambassador to the Philippines is set to board the same flight to ensure a smooth return process. "With the return of 168 Indonesians, the issue has mostly been settled," Retno added.

This year, Saudi Arabia has granted Indonesia 168,800 haj slots, unchanged from 2015 but significantly lower than the 211,000 slots given to the country in previous years. The kingdom has cited safety concerns regarding the Grand Mosque expansion for the reduced quota. (ags)

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