Soetta Immigration Prevents Departure of 89 Non-Procedural Hajj Applicants

Tangerang, KORANTRANSAKSI.com – The Class I Immigration Office Special TPI (Immigration Checkpoint) at Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) Airport has suspended the departure of 89 non-procedural Hajj applicants from the start of the departure period on April 22, 2026, until this Sunday (May 17).

The Head of Soetta Immigration Office, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, explained that the most recent suspension occurred on Friday (May 15), involving 32 Hajj applicants whose departures were deferred.

"We have formed a task force with the assistance of the Airport Police as well as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Currently, Soekarno-Hatta alone has suspended the departure of 89 individuals," he stated.

Modus Operandi of Non-Procedural Applicants

Galih further explained that the methods used by these non-procedural Hajj applicants vary. Generally, he noted, they utilize work visas or iqamas (residence permits issued by the Government of Saudi Arabia).

"This is likely to create the impression that they already reside there. However, in the end, their primary objective is to perform the Hajj," Galih said.

These individuals take commercial flights, separating themselves from the official groups of regular Hajj pilgrims who follow government procedures.

"They might go for tourism first—to Korea, to Malaysia. From there, they only then apply for a visa [to Saudi Arabia]," Galih added.

He reminded the public that the government has repeatedly warned that the Hajj pilgrimage must be conducted legally and through proper procedures, meaning individuals must be registered and utilize official Hajj visas.

Commitment to Security and Service

Meanwhile, Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, stated that all immigration officers at embarkation and debarkation airports have been deployed to provide optimal service for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

"We have instructed all personnel at every embarkation airport to provide the best possible service for our Hajj pilgrims. At the same time, we are fully committed to tightening surveillance against non-procedural Hajj applicants," he said. (TIM)