Indonesian pilgrim dies trying to enter Makkah illegally via desert
JEDDAH: An Indonesian national travelling to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the haj died from severe dehydration after attempting to enter the city illegally via a desert route.
Indonesian portal Tempo reported that the Indonesian citizen identified only as SM was stranded in the Jumum desert along with two other Indonesian nationals, identified as J and S.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah said that the trio had tried to reach Makkah without following official procedures.
"They were determined to enter Makkah illegally," said Indonesian Consul General Yusron Ambary in a written statement on Sunday (June 1).
SM and the others held multiple-entry pilgrimage visas, which permit visits to Saudi Arabia but are not valid for performing the haj.
Yusron said SM and 10 other Indonesian nationals had previously been detained during a security raid and deported to Jeddah.
Despite this, SM, J, and S attempted to return using an illegal desert route arranged through a clandestine taxi service.
The driver, reportedly fearing detection by security patrols, abandoned them in the desert, where they were later discovered by a local security drone.
SM had died by the time help arrived, while J and S were hospitalised.
"SM's body is currently in a Makkah hospital awaiting visa processing," said Yusron, adding that the consulate is in contact with SM's family in Madura to arrange the burial.
He warned Indonesians against attempting to perform the haj through unofficial means, stressing the dangers involved.
"Do not endanger lives or risk failing to perform the haj just to force it illegally," Yusron said.
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