55 Chinese Nationals Arrested by Immigration at BSD Data Centre Project
An investigation team from the Directorate General of Immigration has secured 55 Chinese nationals during a foreign national surveillance operation at the Sinarmas Plus (SM+) Data Centre and Smartfren Gallery construction site in BSD, South Tangerang. The dozens of foreign nationals are strongly suspected of abusing their stay permits to work at the project site.
The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, explained that the operation originated from cyber patrol results that detected indications of immigration violations. Following investigations and data collection, the team proceeded with the surveillance operation on Thursday (3/9).
“This surveillance operation began as a result of cyber patrols detecting indications of stay permit abuse by several Chinese nationals at the construction project site. Consequently, we conducted an investigation, identified several names, and then our team moved in,” Hendarsam stated in his briefing in Jakarta on Saturday (5/9).
During the operation, officers identified several individuals with various immigration statuses. Among them were five men, initials FZ, HL, JY, SY, and ZZ, who held Visit Stay Permits (ITK) sponsored by PT BOS.
Additionally, officers found one individual, initials XX, holding a multiple-entry visit visa sponsored by PT WD. There were also three Chinese nationals, initials SJ, XB, and ZP, holding visit visas without sponsors.
Out of the total 55 foreign nationals apprehended, 53 are strongly suspected of engaging in illegal working activities. The Immigration authorities have taken legal steps categorised into several types of enforcement actions.
Hendarsam emphasised that the Directorate General of Immigration will continue to conduct regular surveillance operations to maintain order and prevent legal violations by foreign nationals in Indonesia.
“We conduct surveillance operations periodically to maintain order, provide a deterrent effect to prevent violations, and uphold public trust in the Immigration Department,” he concluded.