Batam halts 4,624 suspected non-procedural migrant workers in first half

The Class I Special TPI Immigration Office in Batam, Riau Islands, delayed the departure of 4,624 prospective passengers suspected of travelling as non-procedural Indonesian migrant workers throughout January to July (first half) of 2026.

Head of the Immigration Information and Communication Section at the Batam Immigration Office, Kharisma Rukmana, said the departure delays were carried out as a preventive measure against non-procedural migrant workers.

“This is not to hinder people who want to work abroad, but rather to ensure they depart through proper procedures and receive protection,” Kharisma said when contacted in Batam on Tuesday.

Based on examination samples, officers found a number of conditions requiring further investigation.

“For example, unclear or inconsistent statements regarding the purpose and intent of travel, incomplete supporting documents. There are also indications that the journey was directed by another party or an agent,” he said.

Kharisma said the most frequently indicated destination country in non-procedural migrant worker cases was Malaysia, followed by Singapore.

In conducting examinations, officers carry out profiling, interviews, checks of supporting documents and travel history, as well as deeper scrutiny of the intent and purpose of departure.

Furthermore, prospective passengers whose departures are delayed will undergo further investigation into their statements, supporting documents, travel purpose and travel history.

The Batam Immigration Office also continues to strengthen coordination with the Riau Islands Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Centre (BP3MI) and related agencies through information exchange and follow-up on examination results at Immigration Checkpoints.

“We also carry out supervision together with relevant agencies so that prevention of non-procedural migrant workers can be carried out more effectively,” he said.