Foreign Ministry Explains Legal Process for Indonesian Citizen Arrested for Carrying Knife at Changi
Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, said Indonesia will provide assistance to an Indonesian citizen who was arrested for hiding a knife in his shoe at Changi Airport, Singapore. Heni also said Singaporean authorities are still investigating the man’s motive.
“The motive is still under investigation,” Heni said when contacted on Monday (31/8/2026).
Heni added that the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has been monitoring the case. The Indonesian citizen, she said, is also being provided with assistance.
“Regarding the case, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has monitored and provided consular assistance to the Indonesian citizen concerned,” she said.
Heni explained that the Indonesian citizen has undergone his first hearing at a Singapore court. A further hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.
“The person concerned has undergone court proceedings at the State Courts Singapore on 29 August 2026 and has been charged under Singaporean law relating to possession of a dangerous weapon in a public place. A further hearing is scheduled for 31 August 2026,” she explained.
Heni stressed that the Indonesian government fully respects the legal authority of Singapore. She said assistance is provided in accordance with applicable regulations.
“The Indonesian Embassy will continue to monitor the legal process and provide consular assistance as needed and in accordance with applicable regulations. The legal process itself is entirely the authority of the Singaporean authorities,” Heni said.
As reported by the Straits Times and Channel News Asia on Saturday (29/8), the 32-year-old Indonesian man was found carrying a knife while passing through the integrated inspection area at Terminal 4 of Changi Airport. The knife had a total length of 19.5 cm with a blade measuring 12 cm.
The sharp object was detected by an X-ray machine when security officers asked the man to remove his shoes. Officers noticed a suspicious object inside the man’s right shoe.
After further inspection in the examination room, officers found the knife complete with its sheath hidden inside a sock. The sharp weapon was wrapped in several layers of plastic bags and sealed with tape.
To date, the motive of the Indonesian man for carrying a knife into the airport area remains unknown. For his actions, he has been charged with carrying a dangerous weapon in a public place and faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison if found guilty by the Singapore court.