Indian National Found Dead in Surabaya Immigration Detention Centre

An Indian national, SN (48), was found dead in the detention centre of the Surabaya Immigration Office, located in Juanda, Sedati, Sidoarjo, East Java, on Thursday (14/5).

The Indian national had been detained for allegedly violating immigration laws by overstaying his visa, as stipulated in Article 78, Paragraph (3) of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

“The handling of this case began with coordination and reports submitted by the UPTD (Technical Implementation Unit) for Women and Children Protection in Sidoarjo Regency regarding alleged issues related to the fulfillment of child rights and family problems involving the foreign national,” said the Head of the Surabaya Class I Special Immigration Office, Agus Winarto, on Friday (15/5).

Following up on the report, immigration officers conducted immigration surveillance and an examination of the Indian national. The results showed that SN had overstayed his visa for 248 days.

Subsequently, SN appeared at the Surabaya Immigration Office to undergo further examination with the assistance of the UPTD for Women and Children Protection in Sidoarjo Regency. He was officially detained on Monday (11/5) and was scheduled to be deported to his home country on May 17, 2026.

However, Agus said that on Thursday morning, around 07:50 WIB, when officers conducted a check of the detention centre, SN was found lifeless inside.

“Following the incident, officers immediately coordinated with police and medical personnel for further handling. Currently, the Surabaya Immigration Office continues to coordinate with the Sidoarjo Police, the Sedati Police, and the hospital regarding the investigation process, visum et repertum, and autopsy in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.

In addition, coordination has also been carried out with the Honorary Consulate of India in Surabaya to convey information to the family and handle the body according to consular procedures.

The Surabaya Immigration Office expressed its condolences for the incident and affirmed that it is committed to handling this case professionally, transparently, and accountably.

“We express our condolences for this incident. We are currently coordinating with law enforcement agencies and related agencies to ensure that all processes run in accordance with regulations. We are also conducting an internal evaluation of the procedures for securing the detention centre,” said Agus.

He also ensured that protection for the child in question remains a primary concern through coordination with related agencies.