RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance, safeguarding pilgrims, and preventing unauthorized participation in the 1447 Hijri/2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff reported that operations have run smoothly, orderly, and under control through the fifteenth day of the pilgrimage season. As of May 4, 2026, a total of 229 groups comprising 89,051 pilgrims and 912 officers had departed for Saudi Arabia.

“Departures, arrivals, and pilgrim movements are continuously accompanied by officers at every service point to ensure comfort, safety, and security,” Maria said in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as quoted on ministry's official website.

She detailed that 219 groups with 85,039 pilgrims and 873 officers had arrived in Madinah, while 68 groups with 26,037 pilgrims and 272 officers had moved on to Makkah to perform the mandatory umrah and prepare for the peak of the Hajj.

On the health front, records show 10,746 pilgrims received outpatient care, 139 were referred to KKHI, and 208 were referred to Saudi hospitals, with 76 still under treatment.

Maria also addressed the issue of illegal Hajj practices. According to information from the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, 10 Indonesian nationals were arrested in Saudi Arabia last week for allegedly promoting or engaging in unauthorized Hajj arrangements. Similar actions were taken against foreign nationals.

“Indonesia fully supports Saudi Arabia’s policy of La Haj bila Tasrih -- no Hajj without official permits. If Indonesian citizens face legal proceedings, their cases will be handled entirely by Saudi authorities. The Indonesian government will not intervene,” she stressed.

She emphasized that enforcement applies not only to prospective pilgrims but also to organizers, facilitators, promoters, and profiteers of illegal Hajj schemes. Domestically, the Illegal Hajj Task Force, involving the ministry, the National Police, and immigration authorities, continues to block unauthorized departures at strategic points.

“Operations have successfully prevented several suspected illegal departures. This is the state’s way of protecting citizens from fraud and exploitation disguised as Hajj travel,” Maria explained.

The ministry urged the public not to be tempted by offers of shortcut pilgrimages through illegal channels, warning of financial losses, criminal sanctions, deportation, and bans on entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.

“Hajj must be carried out legally, safely, and in accordance with regulations. If you encounter fraud or illegal practices, report them immediately to the police,” she said.

Maria also expressed appreciation for pilgrims, group leaders, and Hajj and Umrah Guidance Group (KBIHU) guides who have maintained discipline and followed instructions.

With temperatures in Madinah and Makkah ranging between 37–39°C, she advised pilgrims to prioritize health by resting adequately, drinking water, using protective gear, and promptly reporting any health issues.

“Let us prioritize health, safety, order, and devotion so that pilgrims can perform the Hajj optimally,” Maria concluded. ***