Immigration Law Enforcement Against Foreigners Increases 2fold In 2024

Illustration of law enforcement by the Directorate General of Immigration. BETWEEN/HO-Ministry of Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia.

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections noted that law enforcement by the Directorate General (Ditjen) of Immigration against foreigners increased by about twice throughout 2024.

Minister Imipas Agus Andrianto revealed this can be seen from the increase in the determination of foreign nationals (WNA) as suspects, the imposition of immigration administrative measures (TAK) on foreigners, the prevention of foreigners, and the promotion of international fugitives.

"We must respond to the increasing mobility of foreigners with higher vigilance against their activities. This needs to be done to ensure security and order in Indonesia," Agus said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 13.

In 2025, Minister Imipas instructed all ranks to intensify operations periodically and strengthen synergy with other law enforcement officers (APH).

"Don't give a gap for foreigners to do something wrong, let alone commit a crime in our country," he said.

Throughout 2024, the Directorate General of Immigration has named 130 foreigners as suspects in immigration crimes. This figure jumped by 145.2 percent compared to 2023 with 53 suspects.

Then, Immigration imposed TAK on 5,434 foreigners in 2024, an increase of 98.7 percent compared to 2023 with the number OF TAK given to 2,734 people.

The Directorate General of Immigration also noted that 10,583 people were prevented from entering Indonesia in 2024, an increase of 58.5 percent compared to the previous year, of which 6,673 foreigners were included in the local list.

That same year, the Directorate General of Immigration managed to apprehend 16 international fugitives who were on Interpol's wanted list (DPO). The last Fugitive who was arrested in 2024 had the initials YZ, who is part of an online gambling syndicate from the People's Republic of China.

Previously, the Directorate General of Immigration had also arrested foreign nationals who committed criminal acts of fraud, money laundering, and narcotics.

Agus emphasized that Immigration officials have the authority to do NOT TO foreigners who are in Indonesian territory and are proven to carry out dangerous activities or are suspected of endangering security and public order.

"TAK can also be imposed on foreigners who do not respect or do not comply with the laws and regulations in force in Indonesia," he said.

He mentioned the forms of NO that can be given vary, ranging from being included in the list of prevention or deterrence, restrictions, changes, or cancellation of residence permits, to the prohibition of being in certain places in Indonesia.

In addition, Immigration is also entitled to impose a mandatory residence in certain locations, impose a burden fee, and the heaviest in the form of deportation from Indonesian territory.

Deportation, he said, can also be done against foreigners who try to escape threats and the implementation of punishment in their home country, as an effort to enforce the law and maintain national security.

According to Agus, the amendment to the Immigration Law (UU) which was passed on September 19, 2024, took part in strengthening the basis for immigration law enforcement in Indonesia.

Now, foreigners who commit crimes in Indonesia can be prevented from entering for up to 10 years or for life. Previously, the period of deterrence was six months and could be extended.

According to him, with the amendment to the Immigration Law, someone who has finished undergoing the investigation stage and entered the stage of the prosecutor's demands can be prevented from leaving Indonesian territory. The change in the rules is in accordance with the Constitutional Court's Decision Number 40/PUU-IX/2011.

As part of surveillance efforts, Agus said, the Directorate General of Immigration has carried out regular national scale surveillance operations in May, July, and September 2024.

"The operation aims to strengthen supervision of the existence and activities of foreigners throughout Indonesia," he said.

By Agatha Olivia Victoria