Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with the National Police (Polri), will establish a task force to prevent illegal Hajj practices and protect pilgrims from fraud and unauthorized travel schemes.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the initiative follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen protection for pilgrims.
“This year, we must prevent illegal Hajj practices, including through preventive measures at airports in coordination with the police and immigration authorities,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday.
Simanjuntak said that in 2025, authorities blocked around 1,200 people from departing using non-Hajj visas. This year, the government aims to tighten supervision, including stronger preventive measures at airports.
He also noted an increase in fraud cases involving travel agencies, with some Umrah pilgrims failing to depart and unable to recover their funds.
“The task force, which will be formed with the police, will take firm legal action against those responsible,” he said.
Deputy National Police Chief Dedi Prasetyo said the task force will operate from the national to regional levels and involve multiple stakeholders.
He said the task force will prioritize preventive measures to ensure the public does not fall victim to fraud.
“We will also strengthen prevention at all departure points and take firm action against criminal offenses,” he said.
Prasetyo added that in 2026, the police handled 42 Hajj and Umrah fraud cases, with one case already proceeding to the next stage of prosecution. Total losses reached around Rp92.64 billion (approximately US$5.4 million).
During the 2025 Hajj season, authorities prevented 1,243 individuals from departing due to suspected use of unauthorized channels.
The task force will also strengthen international coordination, including with Saudi Arabian authorities, and establish a hotline for integrated case handling.
