Arabic Course Scam Promising Umrah Trips Leads to Rp750 Million Loss, Victims Report to Police

A group of victims has reported a case of alleged fraud and embezzlement to the Bareskrim Polri, involving a language course that promised a trip to Saudi Arabia and an Umrah bonus. The total losses are estimated to be around Rp750 million.

The accused, identified as MDD, the owner of PT. Mecca Karya Indonesia, which manages the Mecca Al Arabiya Course, allegedly lured victims with promises of Arabic language training at the Islamic University of Madinah, coupled with a bonus Umrah pilgrimage. "The victims are quite numerous across Indonesia," said Dimas Yemahura Alfaro, the legal representative for the victims.

The cost of the training packages ranged from Rp48.5 million to Rp118 million, depending on the duration. However, after the victims paid the full amount, they were never sent for the promised training or pilgrimage. "As of now, a total of nine victims have reported, with total losses around Rp750 million, spread across Indonesia from East Java, Central Java, North Sumatra, Kalimantan, Riau, and Lombok," Alfaro stated.

One victim, Muhsin Budiono, explained he enrolled his child for the training and Umrah, paying Rp61.5 million for a 30-day program. Initially scheduled for August 2025, suspicion arose when the course organizers failed to provide visa or flight details. The cancellation came just three days before the planned departure, with the organizers citing rescheduling.

Another victim, Ni Putu Titin, was told the trip was canceled due to insufficient quotas and the conflict in the Middle East. She was rescheduled for December 2025, but upon arriving at the airport, her travel documents were found to be invalid.