Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said in Jakarta on Thursday that the move aims to improve the regulation and management of Hajj operations, while ensuring better protection for Indonesian pilgrims.
“We agreed earlier that we will request additional Polri personnel for technical involvement in Saudi Arabia to engage more intensively with the Saudi police regarding the organization and governance of Hajj there,” Simanjuntak said after a meeting with Deputy National Police Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo at the National Police Headquarters.
Simanjuntak stated that the government continues to strengthen efforts to prevent illegal Hajj practices through inter-agency coordination, particularly with law enforcement, including the establishment of a Hajj Task Force. The task force comprises several law enforcement bodies, such as Polri and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
He added that one of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the involvement of the police in handling criminal offenses occurring in Saudi Arabia, particularly those involving Indonesian citizens.
“Violations such as illegal Hajj and fraud cases handled by Saudi authorities require assistance and oversight from Indonesia,” he said.
Saudi police recently arrested three Indonesians suspected of fraud involving the production and distribution of fake Hajj-related documents, he added.
Meanwhile, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Control at the ministry, Harun Arrasyid, said the suspects were suspected of being support staff for Hajj officers.
He said that the ministry is currently investigating the case, which will be used as an evaluation to prevent illegal practices in future Hajj operations.
“This did not originate from here, but from residents living there. We are examining it further, as the investigation there is being conducted confidentially. It must be traced and recruitment procedures tightened,” he said.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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