Chinese National Deported from Central Sulawesi for Unauthorised Unregistered Marriage

The Palu Class I Immigration Office (TPI) has taken firm action by deporting a Chinese national named Li Zongkai. The foreign national was proven to have violated immigration provisions whilst in Indonesian territory.

Zongkai was detained by Palu immigration officers in Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi, during routine surveillance operations. Based on the results of a thorough examination, he was found to have conducted an unregistered (siri) marriage in the area without fulfilling the applicable legal procedures.

The main violation committed by Zongkai was marrying without possessing documents or an official permit from the Chinese Embassy. In fact, permission from the representative of the country of origin is an absolute requirement for foreign nationals to contract a legally valid marriage in Indonesia.

In his statement, Zongkai admitted that he first met his partner whilst working at PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI). He then re-entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VoA) specifically to conduct the unregistered marriage.

For this violation, the Palu Immigration Office imposed an Immigration Administrative Measure (TAK) in the form of deportation. Immigration officials applied Article 75 of Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration as the legal basis for the action.

During the legal process, officers seized a number of items of evidence.

The Head of the Palu Class I TPI Immigration Office, Muhammad Akmal, affirmed that his office is fully committed to enforcing immigration law in a professional and proportionate manner.

“Every foreign national must comply with all immigration regulations and Indonesian law. This deportation enforces the law whilst maintaining order, security, and the sovereignty of the state,” Akmal told Media Indonesia on Monday (3/8).

The Palu Immigration Office is currently continuing to strengthen surveillance of the presence and activities of foreign nationals within its working area. In addition to conducting periodic monitoring, the immigration office is also deepening synergy with other relevant agencies.

Akmal also called on the public to play an active role in monitoring their surroundings. Residents are asked to promptly report to the nearest officers if they suspect immigration violations committed by foreign nationals.