Hajj Ministry, National Police form task force to spearhead crackdown on illegal pilgrimage scams

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the National Police (Polri), has officially established a Task Force for the Prevention of Illegal Hajj. This strategic move is designed to bolster the protection of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims while decisively dismantling illicit travel operations. The policy was formalized during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah headquarters.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that the formation of this task force is a direct follow-up to presidential directives, executed under the instruction of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah in close coordination with the National Police Chief.

“Under the Minister’s orders and through coordination with the National Police Chief, we are following through on the President’s instructions regarding the protection of Hajj pilgrims, one of which is the establishment of this Task Force,” Dahnil said on Thursday (09/04/2026).

He revealed that during last year’s Hajj season, authorities identified approximately 1,200 instances of illegal visa usage. The government views this as a critical issue, as it not only puts pilgrims at high risk but also disrupts the overall management and governance of the annual pilgrimage.

“Consequently, we are committed to preventing such practices from recurring, specifically through more stringent oversight at the country’s points of departure,” he emphasized.

Beyond the issue of illegal visas, the government is also zeroing in on the rising number of fraud cases involving rogue Hajj and Umrah travel agencies, which have resulted in massive financial losses for citizens. In response, the government has pledged to take stern legal action against all parties involved in these deceptive schemes.

Meanwhile, National Police Deputy Chief Commissioner Gen. Dedi Prasetyo emphasized that the Hajj Task Force will operate an integrated system from the national level down to the regions, employing a comprehensive approach to enforcement.

“This task force was formed to protect Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and to suppress illegal practices. Our primary focus includes preventing the departure of illegal pilgrims through tight surveillance at exit gates, as well as taking firm action against fraudulent travel agencies,” Dedi explained.

According to Dedi, the Task Force will combine pre-emptive, preventive, and repressive measures.

“Pre-emptive steps involve public education and socialization. Meanwhile, preventive actions are carried out through strict supervision at airports and seaports. Finally, law enforcement will be strictly applied to those who commit criminal acts,” he clarified.

Dedi also shared the National Police’s enforcement data. As of 2026, 42 fraud cases are currently being processed, with estimated losses reaching approximately IDR 92.64 billion. Furthermore, authorities have successfully prevented 1,243 prospective pilgrims from departing through illegal channels.

“Prevention is being conducted at all airports through rigorous document verification and legal enforcement, including criminal charges for any violations discovered,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Task Force intends to strengthen cross-agency coordination, including communication with Saudi Arabian authorities, and has opened a dedicated hotline to allow the public to report suspected violations easily.

“This policy aligns with the President’s vision to ensure maximum protection for pilgrims while ensuring that the cost of the pilgrimage does not become an undue burden on the community,” Dedi concluded.

Addressing rumors regarding an increase in the Hajj quota, Dahnil clarified that no decision or negotiation has been reached on that matter to date.

“As of today, there has been no increase in the Hajj pilgrim quota,” Dahnil concluded.

Through the establishment of this Task Force, the government hopes that the 1447 H / 2026 M Hajj and Umrah season will be more orderly, safe, and provide optimal protection for all Indonesian pilgrims.