Jakarta. Saudi authorities have detained 10 Indonesian nationals over the past week for performing the Hajj pilgrimage without valid permits, an Indonesian government spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Indonesia will not intervene in the cases and will leave all legal proceedings to Saudi authorities, according to Maria Assegaff, spokesperson for the Hajj and Umrah Ministry.
“The Indonesian government fully supports Saudi Arabia’s policy prohibiting Hajj without official authorization. If Indonesian citizens face legal proceedings, the matter will be entirely handled by Saudi law enforcement. We will not intervene,” Maria said.
Saudi authorities have also intensified enforcement against individuals or groups organizing, facilitating, or profiting from unauthorized pilgrimage schemes.
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Maria urged Indonesians to avoid offers promising Hajj departures without the official waiting process, warning of risks ranging from financial losses to criminal penalties, deportation, and entry bans to Saudi Arabia of up to 10 years.
Domestically, Indonesian authorities have stepped up preventive measures at airports to stop illegal departures. “Operations to curb unauthorized Hajj travel have thwarted several attempts to leave without proper documentation. This reflects the state’s role in protecting citizens from fraud and exploitation disguised as Hajj services,” she said.
As of Monday, 229 flights had transported approximately 89,000 Indonesian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Maria added that around 10,700 Indonesian pilgrims have experienced minor health issues, while about 340 required treatment at clinics or hospitals. She advised pilgrims to maintain their physical condition amid high temperatures in Medina and Mecca, where temperatures have reached 37–39°C, and to seek medical attention promptly if needed.
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