inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Head of the Public Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Jhonny Eddizon Isir, explained the duties of the newly formed Hajj Task Force. This task force will conduct joint operations with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Immigration, the Indonesian National Police (INP), and Saudi Arabian authorities.

"Operations ahead of the Hajj season include raids on illegal travel agencies, prevention efforts at airports, and action against syndicate networks," said Jhonny in a written statement on Wednesday (4/15/2026).

He explained that common illegal Hajj practices include using Umrah visas during the peak of the Hajj season, entering via transit from another country, "fast-track Hajj packages without queues," and forged documents/visa manipulation. 

Rogue Hajj travel agencies can be prosecuted. In many cases, the penalties are quite severe due to fraud and violations of Hajj administration.

"The criminal penalties under the Hajj & Umrah Law are up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to billions of rupiah. The fraud article under the Indonesian Criminal Code carries a prison sentence of up to 4 years or more. Administrative sanctions can also be imposed, including business permit revocation and blacklisting," he explained.

Jhonny emphasized that monitoring of illegal Hajj pilgrimages is carried out in multiple layers, from administration and travel agencies to airports. While enforcement is being carried out firmly in both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, the key is adherence to official procedures and raising public awareness.

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