55 Chinese Nationals Caught in Immigration Surveillance Operation in BSD
The investigative team of the Directorate General of Immigration has secured 55 Chinese nationals caught during a foreign national surveillance operation at the Sinarmas Plus data centre construction site, Galeri Smartfren BSD, South Tangerang.
“This surveillance operation began following results from cyber patrols that detected indications of residence permit abuse by several Chinese nationals at the construction project site. Because of the suspected abuse of stay permits, we conducted an investigation, identified several names, and subsequently deployed our team to carry out the operation,” stated Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
According to him, during the surveillance operation held on Thursday (3/9), officers obtained the identities of several foreign nationals active around the location. These individuals include FZ, HL, JY, SY, and ZZ, five men holding Visit Stay Permits (ITK) with PT BOS as their sponsor.
Additionally, one individual, XX, was found holding a multiple-entry visit visa with PT WD as the sponsor. He also noted that the authorities identified SJ, XB, and ZP, three Chinese nationals holding visit visas without sponsors.
“The 55 Chinese nationals are suspected of abusing their stay permits to work at the SM+ Data Centre and Galri Smartfren HQ construction site in BSD, South Tangerang. Of that number, 17 holders of Visit Stay Permits (ITK) based on Visa on Arrival (VoA) have been detained and placed in the Jakarta Immigration Detention Centre (Rudenim) for further processing,” he said.
Meanwhile, 27 Chinese nationals holding ITK who are also suspected of engaging in work activities were not detained; however, their passports have been subject to administrative action in the form of passport seizure (STP) for further investigation.
Furthermore, there are four Chinese nationals holding ITK who are suspected of working and whose passports have been secured from the company, but the individuals themselves have not yet been located. All four have been placed on the Subject of Interest (SOI) list to support ongoing surveillance and tracking efforts.
Seven other Chinese nationals, also suspected of working, were subject to administrative action involving passport seizure when found at the location. These seven individuals were not detained and are scheduled to appear to provide statements to immigration officers on Wednesday (9/9).
Hendarsam emphasised that his department continues to conduct surveillance operations on foreign nationals to prevent violations. “Our surveillance operations are conducted regularly to maintain order, provide a deterrent effect to prevent violations, and maintain public trust in the Immigration Department,” Hendarsam concluded.