Indonesia is ramping up efforts to safeguard its pilgrims by establishing a special task force to combat Hajj-related fraud and unauthorized travel, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Thursday.
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The initiative comes as the country prepares for the first batch of pilgrims to depart for Saudi Arabia later this month. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is set to send the biggest contingent for the 2026 Hajj, with a quota of 221,000 pilgrims allocated by Saudi authorities.
Authorities say the move follows growing concern over fraudulent activities, especially after more than 1,200 Indonesians were reportedly affected by Hajj scams in 2025. The first special Hajj flights are expected to begin on April 22.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasized the government’s determination to clamp down on such practices, noting that stricter monitoring will be enforced at all departure points to prevent irregularities.
The newly formed task force—comprising ministry officials and personnel from the Indonesian National Police—will also coordinate closely with Saudi authorities to ensure compliance with Hajj regulations.
Indonesia currently has about 5.7 million registered Hajj applicants, with waiting periods stretching up to 26 years in some regions. This long queue has made many prospective pilgrims vulnerable to fraudulent schemes offering illegal fast-track visa arrangements.
Officials revealed that such scams have led to arrests and deportations of Indonesian nationals attempting to perform Hajj without proper documentation. Financial losses linked to these fraudulent activities have reached approximately 92 billion rupiah (around $5.4 million), according to Deputy Police Chief Dedi Prasetyo.
The task force will prioritize strict document verification at airports, enhanced surveillance, and decisive legal action against fraudulent travel operators. Offenders will face prosecution under applicable laws.
In addition, authorities plan to intensify public awareness campaigns and introduce a dedicated hotline to make it easier for citizens to report suspected scams.
Officials say the measures align with directives from the presidency to ensure maximum protection for pilgrims while shielding them from financial exploitation and unnecessary costs during the Hajj process.
(Arab News)