Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru repatriates 190 citizens via sea route
Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, has facilitated the repatriation of 190 Indonesian citizens (WNIs) and migrant workers (PMIs) from Malaysia.
In a statement on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, the consulate affirmed this action is part of its ongoing commitment to providing optimal protection for citizens abroad.
The repatriation of 190 WNIs, mostly from East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, Aceh, and Bengkulu, was conducted in two phases on 22 and 25 May 2026 via sea route to Batam Centre Port in the Riau Islands.
The repatriated individuals comprised 131 men, 51 women, and vulnerable groups including four elderly and four children.
They were previously detained in several Immigration Detention Depots (DTIs) within the jurisdiction of the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru: 68 at DTI Kemayan in Pahang; 92 at DTI Pekan Nenas in Johor; and 30 at DTI Lenggeng in Negeri Sembilan.
In the first phase on 22 May 2026, 150 WNIs/PMIs were repatriated via Pasir Gudang Port in Johor using the MDM Express 2 ferry.
The second phase on 25 May 2026 saw 40 WNIs/PMIs repatriated via Stulang Laut Port in Johor aboard the Citra Legacy 5 ferry.
To ensure safe, orderly, and humane repatriation, the Integrated Protection Representative Task Force (Satgas PPT) of the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru provided special accompaniment, particularly for children and the elderly.
Police Inspector Riza Sativa, Technical Staff at the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru, stated that the protection function goes beyond procedural and consular administrative requirements, representing the state’s tangible commitment to inclusive, humanitarian, and equitable protection for all citizens abroad.
Through this repatriation, the Indonesian government hopes WNIs/PMIs can be adequately assisted to reintegrate with their families and celebrate Eid al-Adha 1447 AH in their homeland.
Of the 190 repatriated WNIs/PMIs, 117 were issued Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) due to expired or invalid travel documents.
Riza added that the consulate is working to expedite emergency document issuance despite bureaucratic challenges on the ground.
The consulate also reiterated its appeal to all WNIs, especially prospective PMIs, to comply with laws and follow official procedures when seeking work in Malaysia to avoid legal risks and deportation.
Since the start of 2026 until May, the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru has facilitated the repatriation of 2,497 WNIs/PMIs.
This success was achieved through strong collaboration with Malaysia’s Immigration Department (JIM), the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration (KemenP2MI), the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP3MI), the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (P4MI), Directorate General of Immigration, Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Health Quarantine Agency, and the Indonesian National Police.
“Collaboration among stakeholders is the foundation of safe, orderly, and dignified repatriation processes. The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru will remain at the forefront in protecting every citizen striving to change their fate far from home,” Riza said.