The case highlights strict privacy and cybercrime laws in the kingdom, as Indonesians are urged to be cautious.
Saudi authorities have detained an Indonesian Hajj pilgrim in Madinah for allegedly recording a Saudi woman without her permission, in a case that underscores how seriously the kingdom treats privacy violations involving cameras and phones.
Detention In Madinah’s Markaziyah Area
Saudi security officers arrested an Indonesian Hajj pilgrim in the Markaziyah area of Madinah after he was suspected of recording a Saudi woman in her 30s without consent. The case was referred to the public prosecutor (niabah ammah) as a potential breach of the kingdom’s strict privacy rules.
KJRI Confirmation And Pilgrim’s Explanation
Akhmad Masbukhin, coordinator of the Protection Task Force at the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, confirmed the incident in a video statement, saying the pilgrim admitted during questioning that he had no malicious intent when filming the woman. Despite this claim, the legal process is continuing under Saudi law.
Possibility Of Release Or Heavy Penalties
Masbukhin said the pilgrim could be freed if the woman decides not to pursue her complaint, but if she insists her rights were violated, the man could face criminal sanctions and a substantial fine. Under Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cybercrime Law (Nizam Muqafah al-Jaroim al-Ma’lumatiyah), using any camera, including a mobile phone, to photograph or film someone without their permission is a serious offence.
Saudi Anti-Cybercrime Law And Sanctions
The law provides for penalties of up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 Saudi riyals (about Rp 2.3 billion) for such privacy violations. Masbukhin stressed that misuse of cameras to capture images or videos of people without consent is treated very harshly, regardless of the offender’s nationality or claimed intent.
Warning To Indonesian Pilgrims And Travellers
The official reminded Indonesian citizens, especially Hajj pilgrims, to respect local social norms and legal frameworks while in Saudi Arabia. He urged them to be extremely careful when using cameras in public spaces and to avoid recording individuals without clear permission, so as not to face legal trouble during their pilgrimage.
The Madinah case is a stark reminder that everyday behaviour on phones—like casual filming—can carry heavy legal consequences in countries with strict privacy laws such as Saudi Arabia. For Indonesians and Singaporeans travelling for Hajj or tourism, understanding and respecting local cybercrime and privacy rules is essential to ensure that religious journeys and visits remain focused on worship and goodwill, not unexpected legal battles.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Himpuh News (2026)
Keywords: Madinah Incident, Indonesian Hajj Pilgrim, Anti Cybercrime Law, Unauthorised Filming, Saudi Legal Penalties
