inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta) Sub-regional Police thwarted the departure of 10 prospective non-procedural (illegal) hajj pilgrims at the Soetta International Terminal Airport. The prevention of this departure was carried out by a joint team from the Police, Immigration and the Ministry of Religion.

"They intend to depart for the Holy Land to perform the hajj pilgrimage, but using a work visa," said Soekarno Hatta Airport Sub-regional Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Ronald Sipayung on Friday (4/18/2025).

He said that the 10 prospective illegal hajj pilgrims had undergone further examination and investigation to find out the facts related to the use of unofficial departure routes.

"Currently, we are still coordinating with the Ministry of Religion for further handling," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Soetta Airport Police, Police Assistant Superintendent Yandri Mono, added that the passengers were known to have come from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

Yandri revealed that in revealing this case, officers were initially confused in distinguishing this hajj group, as they used suitcases with the same shape and color as hajj or umrah pilgrims in general.

"In fact, flights for umrah have been temporarily stopped due to preparations for the hajj pilgrimage which will begin next May," he said.

Based on this suspicion, officers from Immigration finally postponed the departure of the group of 10 people consisting of 9 prospective hajj pilgrims and 1 person from the travel agency. They were then handed over to the Soekarno Hatta Airport Police for further investigation.

(ad/ndt/pr/nm)