Immigration Authorities Act Against 6,799 Foreign Nationals from January to May 2026, with 2,026 Deported
The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration continues to strengthen surveillance of the presence and activities of foreign nationals (WNA) in Indonesia who violate regulations. From January to May 2026, 6,799 foreign nationals were acted upon, with 2,026 already deported.
“Data shows that during the period from 1 January to 5 May 2026, the Directorate General of Immigration has carried out 6,779 immigration administrative actions (TAK). Of this number, cancellations of residence permits and deportations each amounted to 2,026 actions, detentions numbered 1,404 actions, and 1,323 others were added to the blacklist,” said Director General (Dirjen) of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, in his statement to reporters on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
He dismissed notions that immigration oversight is weak. According to him, the successful uncovering of an international online gambling syndicate secured in the Hayam Wuruk area, West Jakarta, some time ago, actually proves the effectiveness of the intelligence system and surveillance run by the Directorate General of Immigration.
In recent times, at least five syndicate cases involving foreign nationals have been uncovered in various regions in Indonesia. The majority of the secured foreign nationals come from Vietnam and Cambodia, which are countries receiving visa-free facilities.
“I need to clarify that Immigration is not ‘slipping through’. On the contrary, the success of capturing foreign nationals in various locations actually proves the effectiveness of the intelligence function in conducting early detection of violations by foreign nationals. We also maintain good coordination with the National Police (Polri), and yesterday an operation was finally carried out to capture 320 foreign nationals in Hayam Wuruk,” he said.
He assessed that the surveillance system is working proactively, given the exposure of the online gambling case. He explained that examination results at several capture locations showed that some suspected perpetrators had not even had a chance to operate.
“Examination results at several locations where suspected scammer foreign nationals were captured show that many (suspected perpetrators) had not even had a chance to operate and some who had just started operating. This indicates that our surveillance system works proactively before criminal acts occur on a wide scale,” he clarified.
His side is now identifying guarantors or sponsors responsible for the presence of 321 suspected online gambling syndicate foreign nationals. There are 15 parties identified as guarantors.
“Deep investigation results show that the majority of foreign nationals used Visit Stay Permits (ITK), Visa on Arrival (VoA), and Visa-Free Visit (BVK). In addition, 15 guarantor parties (sponsors) have been identified who are responsible for the presence of these foreign nationals in Indonesia,” he stated.
Investigation of foreign nationals violating regulations will later be carried out by Civil Servant Immigration Investigators (PPNS). Including against the 15 parties identified as guarantors for hundreds of foreign nationals.
“As regulated in the immigration law, our investigators (PPNS) also have the authority to process allegations of immigration criminal acts committed either by foreigners or their sponsors,” he said.
Through an integrated surveillance system, his side is able to detect overstays so that rule-violating foreign nationals cannot leave Indonesia without sanctions, ranging from administrative fines, deportation, to being added to the prevention blacklist. Hendarsam added that the proliferation of cases involving foreign nationals serves as material for evaluating immigration policies, including visa-free visit facilities.
“Cases involving foreign nationals in illegal activities, including those from countries receiving visa-free visit facilities, serve as evaluation material for us. The spirit of ‘Immigration for the People’ we hope can mitigate social and economic risks due to illegal activities by foreign citizens to ensure the selective principle continues to run optimally in maintaining national security,” he stated. He will not hesitate to act against foreign nationals who commit violations.
He emphasised that only foreign nationals who provide benefits and do not disrupt security and public order may be in Indonesian territory.
“In the perspective of immigration oversight, we affirm that only foreign nationals who provide benefits and do not endanger security and public order may be in Indonesian territory. Every form of violation, including involvement in illegal activities such as online gambling, will be firmly addressed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he added.
321 Foreign Nationals Secured
Previously reported, 321 foreign nationals consisting of 57 Chinese or Chinese nationals, 228 Vietnamese nationals, 11 Laotian nationals, 13 Myanmar nationals, 3 Malaysian nationals, 5 Thai nationals, and 3 Cambodian nationals. The perpetrators were caught red-handed while conducting online gambling.
“The perpetrators were caught red-handed, meaning the perpetrators were carrying out operational activities or online gambling activities,” said Director of General Crimes at National Police Headquarters, Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra, during a press conference at the capture location, the Hayam Wuruk area, West Jakarta, on Saturday (9/5/2026).
The uncovering of this case of hundreds of foreign nationals operating online gambling sites is said to be the result of a joint investigation by the National Police Headquarters with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas). In this action, police found structured online gambling activities utilising cross-border electronic means and run digitally.
Various pieces of evidence were also secured, including safes, passports, mobile phones, laptops, PCs, and cash in various currencies.