Cross-border Syndicate Allegedly Involved in Hajj Passport Scam

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police and the Directorate-General of Immigration suspect that the debacle surrounding the detainment of 177 Indonesian hajj pilgrims in the Philippines on Friday involved a cross-border crime syndicate, comprise of many parties ranging from travel agencies to bureaucrats.

Public Information Bureau head, the National Police Public Relation Division, Sr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul said the alleged cross-border syndicate is not as huge as drug rings or terrorist networks. “However, the crime might involve perpetrators from two countries or even more,” he told Tempo yesterday.

Martinus suspects that officials were complicit in the issuance of fake Philippine passports held by 177 Indonesian nationals during the arrest in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. “It’s impossible for anyone to obtain Philippine passport without help from government officials,” he said. “Investigation is ongoing with the help from Senior Liaison Officers (SLO) stationed in Malaysia, the Philippines and Aseanapol.”

Philippine immigration authorities arrested 177 Indonesian nationals who were about to fly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They were hajj pilgrims holding Philippine passports. The Philippine government has confirmed that the passports are genuine, but they were held by unauthorized parties.

At least seven local travel agencies were allegedly involved in the departure of 177 hajj pilgrims, namely PT Taskiah, PT Aulad Amin, PT Aulad Amin Tours Makassar, PT Shafwa Makassar, Travel Hade El Barde, Hajj Guidance Group (KBIH) Arafah, dan KBIH Arafah Pandaan. Aside from having no permit from the Religious Affairs Minister, they are also charged with violating Article 64 of Law No. 13/2008 on Hajj Organization, having failed to implement the provisions of special hajj organization. They could face 6 years in jail.

Police chief General Tito Karnavian confirms that investigation is ongoing. Aside from the seven travel agencies, Malaysian nationals were also allegedly involved. “They are scheduled to be questioned in the near future by a special team,” he noted.

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