TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A tragic incident has claimed the life of an Indonesian citizen, identified as SM, who died in the Jumum Desert, Saudi Arabia. SM had tried to enter the city of Mecca without proper authorization, taking a perilous desert route in the process.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah confirmed the incident. Alongside SM, two other Indonesian citizens, identified as J and S, were discovered in extremely weak and dehydrated conditions. Fortunately, both were rescued by Saudi Arabian security forces.
"One Indonesian citizen named SM was found to have passed away, while two other Indonesian citizens named J and S were successfully rescued," stated Yusron B. Ambary, the Consul General of Indonesia in Jeddah, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Chronology of the Incident
Prior to the incident, SM and 10 other Indonesian citizens had been detained during a raid by Saudi security forces. They were subsequently expelled from Jeddah. Despite this, SM, J, and S made another attempt to enter Mecca illegally.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the tragedy occurred on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The three individuals used multiple pilgrimage visas, rather than official hajj visas, and hired an unlicensed taxi in an attempt to reach Mecca. Fearing capture by security patrols, the taxi driver abandoned them in the middle of the desert, placing their lives at severe risk.
Condition and Response
A drone patrol operated by Saudi security forces eventually located and evacuated the three individuals. The Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah reported that J and S are currently receiving medical care in a local hospital.
The body of SM remains at a hospital in Mecca for the visa documentation process. KJRI Jeddah has contacted SM’s family, who are from Madura, and is coordinating preparations for the burial. Yusron noted that the Consulate is maintaining close communication with the family to ensure a smooth repatriation process.
Authorities Issue Warning
Consul General Yusron urged Indonesian citizens to avoid involvement in unauthorized hajj programs. He warned that such actions not only violate regulations but also endanger lives.
"Hajj must be carried out legally and in accordance with the regulations. Do not risk your life by insisting on going illegally. You could lose your money and the hajj itself will not be fulfilled," Yusron stated, as quoted on the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
KJRI Jeddah continues to promote public awareness regarding compliance with Saudi Arabia’s regulations for performing the hajj. Given the strict law enforcement and monitoring by Saudi authorities, attempting to complete the pilgrimage illegally poses significant risks.
The Indonesian government, through both KJRI and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, is intensifying public education efforts to emphasize the importance of following official procedures. Saudi authorities are also stepping up enforcement to prevent illegal activities that put lives at risk.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.
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