Foreign Ministry Handles Case of Indonesian Tourist from Madiun Who Absconded in South Korea
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, is coordinating intensively with South Korean authorities to handle the case of an Indonesian national from Madiun, East Java, who reportedly left a tour group unilaterally whilst visiting the country.
Heni Hamidah, Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection and Legal Aid at the ministry, confirmed that the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has received information regarding the whereabouts of the individual concerned. Handling measures are currently being undertaken together with the relevant authorities in South Korea.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has received information developing in the field regarding the whereabouts of the individual concerned. We are of course coordinating with the relevant authorities for further handling,” said Heni in Jakarta on Thursday (23/7).
Heni explained that the individual is strongly suspected of violating local immigration rules by overstaying. The ministry deeply regrets the action, which is considered an abuse of the visa-free visit facility granted by the South Korean government.
The ministry stressed that it will continue coordinating to prevent similar cases from recurring in future. It also reminded that the group tour facility to South Korea carries strict rules that must be obeyed.
The group tour facility to South Korea is valid only until December 2026, with a maximum stay of 15 days. Indonesian nationals are urged to understand and comply with all immigration provisions of the destination country.
The case came to light after the social media account @sarjanabackpacker on Threads shared the story of an Indonesian national with the initials F from Madiun who allegedly fled whilst on a tour. According to circulating information, F last said goodbye to look at shoes in the Myeongdong area before losing contact.
The travel agent reported there were no suspicious signs from F on the day of the incident. However, as a result of the incident, the travel agent said it suffered reputational damage and had to bear a fine of Rp125 million.
For information, since May 2026, South Korea has implemented a temporary visa waiver programme for Indonesian group tourists. The programme, which runs from 28 May until the end of December 2026, allows groups of at least three people to visit without a visa for a maximum of 15 days.
The ministry once again urged the public to safeguard the integrity and good name of the nation by not abusing the visa convenience policy for illegal purposes or staying beyond the permitted period.