JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Immigration officials at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, have reported the highest number of intercepted non-procedural Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia. Between April and June 2025, authorities prevented 719 individuals from departing without proper documentation, part of a nationwide effort to curb illegal pilgrimages.

Across Indonesia, a total of 1,080 citizens were stopped from undertaking non-procedural Hajj trips during the same period. Suhendra, Director of Immigration Checkpoints, explained that these measures were necessary to prevent potential legal complications for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The crackdown focuses on those lacking Hajj visas or attempting to misuse other types of visas for the pilgrimage.

Following Soekarno-Hatta, Juanda International Airport in Surabaya recorded the second-highest number of cases with 187 interceptions. Other major airports included Ngurah Rai in Denpasar (52), Sultan Hasanuddin in Makassar (46), and Yogyakarta International Airport (42). Smaller airports like Kualanamu in Medan and Minangkabau in West Sumatra also reported cases, though in fewer numbers.

International ports were not exempt from the crackdown. Batam’s Citra Tri Tunas port saw 82 individuals stopped, while Batam Center and Bengkong recorded 54 and 27 cases, respectively. Authorities emphasized that while many held valid Saudi visas, these were not issued for Hajj purposes and could not be used for the pilgrimage.

In one notable case in Yogyakarta, six travelers initially claimed to be vacationing in Kuala Lumpur but later admitted they were transiting to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Similarly, in Surabaya, 171 individuals were found using tourist visas arranged by travel agencies charging hundreds of millions of rupiah. These deceptive practices highlight the risks of non-procedural pilgrimages.

At Makassar’s embarkation point, 46 travelers were detained after providing inconsistent statements during checks. Eleven claimed to be attending a family event in Medan but were actually planning to perform Hajj. Such cases underscore the lengths some individuals go to bypass official procedures.

Suhendra clarified that those stopped could still travel to Saudi Arabia after the Hajj season, provided their visas were valid for other purposes. He urged prospective pilgrims to avoid shortcuts, stressing that the official route ensures legal protection and a smoother experience.

The Immigration Directorate remains vigilant, with officials warning against exploitation by unscrupulous travel agencies. “We want to protect citizens from potential legal issues abroad,” Suhendra said. “Using unofficial channels not only risks penalties but also jeopardizes the pilgrimage itself.”

Authorities continue to monitor departure points nationwide, aiming to prevent further violations. The public is advised to adhere to official Hajj procedures to avoid complications and ensure a safe, lawful pilgrimage.(Uki Ruknuddin)