Immigration detains 55 Chinese nationals and seizes passports during enforcement operation
The Directorate General of Immigration has carried out detention and passport seizures for 55 Chinese nationals caught during a monitoring operation in the Bumi Serpong Damai area, South Tangerang, Banten, regarding suspected misuse of stay permits.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko, in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday, explained that the operation began following cyber patrols that detected indications of stay permit abuse at a building construction project site.
“There were suspicions of stay permit misuse at the project. Consequently, we conducted an investigation, identified several names, and our team subsequently moved to conduct the monitoring operation,” said Hendarsam.
During the monitoring operation held on Thursday (3/9), investigators identified 55 Chinese nationals suspected of abusing stay permits to work at the construction site of a telecommunications service data centre.
Hendarsam explained that of that number, 17 individuals were found to be holding Visit Stay Permits (ITK) based on Visa on Arrival (VoA), rather than work visas. They have been detained at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Centre for further processing.
Additionally, 27 ITK holders who were also suspected of working were not detained. However, their passports were temporarily seized as part of immigration administrative measures for further investigation.
Immigration also secured the passports of four Chinese nationals belonging to the company, but their whereabouts have not yet been found. These four individuals have been placed on a surveillance list to facilitate tracking.
Meanwhile, seven others were subject to administrative measures involving passport seizure when encountered at the project site. These seven individuals were not detained but are scheduled to attend an investigation summons on 9 September 2026.
“We conduct monitoring operations regularly to maintain order, provide a deterrent effect to prevent violations, and uphold public trust in the Immigration Department,” said Hendarsam.