Indonesian Police to Crack Down on Illegal Hajj with New Task Force

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is taking a firm stance against illegal Hajj practices by forming a dedicated Haji Task Force for 2026. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, aims to decisively tackle fraud and protect Indonesian pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey. The task force's mandate is clear: to eradicate illegal Hajj operations, safeguard pilgrims from deceitful travel agents, guarantee the safety and order of the pilgrimage, and expose criminal networks exploiting devotees.

Polri's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach encompassing preemptive, preventive, and repressive actions. Preemptively, the police will focus on educating the public about the dangers of illegal Hajj, thereby raising awareness and encouraging adherence to official channels. This includes working with regional governments and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to disseminate information on legitimate Hajj pathways and provide legal counsel regarding travel scams. Preventively, the task force will monitor Hajj travel agencies, identify suspicious packages offering expedited Hajj without proper procedures, and gather intelligence on organized syndicates. They will also ensure the security of pilgrims at embarkation and debarkation points, actively preventing illegal departures by scrutinizing visa compliance.

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The main focus of the Indonesian National Police in the Haji Task Force is to eradicate illegal Hajj, protect pilgrims from fraud, ensure security and order, and uncover criminal travel networks.

Repressively, Polri will enforce existing laws, including the Law on Hajj and Umrah Services and the Criminal Code, to prosecute individuals involved in fraud and embezzlement. This comprehensive approach underscores Indonesia's commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage. The scale of the problem is significant, with police currently handling 42 fraud cases totaling approximately Rp 92.64 billion in losses. In 2025 alone, authorities successfully thwarted the departure of 1,243 prospective pilgrims using non-Hajj visas, primarily from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The formation of this task force signals a renewed determination to protect citizens from exploitation and uphold the sanctity of this important religious obligation.

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Modus operandi will continue to evolve. Therefore, public vigilance is key. The Indonesian National Police will act decisively to protect the public.