{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1656423,
        "msgid": "batam-immigration-chief-suspended-over-tourist-extortion-allegations-1775656326",
        "date": "2026-04-05 12:09:53",
        "title": "Batam immigration chief suspended over tourist extortion allegations",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "The head of Batam Immigration has been temporarily suspended and transferred to the central office for investigation into allegations of extorting money from Singaporean tourists at the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal on 13-14 March. Another officer with initials JS has also been suspended as the Directorate General\u2019s internal compliance unit probes potential involvement of additional personnel. The regional immigration office assures that services will continue uninterrupted, with an acting head to be appointed on 6 April, highlighting ongoing efforts to address corruption within Indonesia's immigration system.",
        "content": "<p>\u201cIt is correct. The individual has been temporarily withdrawn to the\ncentral office for further examination,\u201d Riau Islands regional\nimmigration office head Ujo Sujoto said on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>An immigration officer identified by the initials JS has also been\nsuspended for alleged involvement in the case.<\/p>\n<p>Sujoto said the Directorate General\u2019s internal compliance unit is\ncontinuing its investigation to uncover possible involvement of other\nofficers.<\/p>\n<p>He assured that the suspension would not disrupt services at the\nBatam Immigration Office, adding that an acting head will be appointed\non April 6.<\/p>\n<p>The case went viral after a group of Singaporean tourists reported\nbeing asked to pay money by immigration officers at the Batam Centre\nInternational Ferry Terminal on March 13\u201314.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Batam immigration officer probed for extortion against\nforeigners<\/p>\n<p>Related news: Batam Immigration detain 10 foreigners for visa\nviolations<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Ogen, Nabil Ihsan<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/batam-immigration-chief-suspended-over-tourist-extortion-allegations-1775656326",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}