Indonesian Embassy in KL Urges Undocumented Indonesians to Utilise Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is urging Indonesian citizens in Malaysia who lack valid residence permits in the neighbouring country to promptly utilise the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 before it concludes on 30 April 2026.
“This programme is excellent because it is quite beneficial for our migrant workers or Indonesian citizens residing here without permits to return to Indonesia at a relatively low cost,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, during a podcast session at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
The Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 is an initiative implemented by the Malaysian Immigration Department from 19 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, to facilitate undocumented foreigners (PATI) in returning to their home countries.
Under this programme, undocumented foreigners, including those who have overstayed in Malaysia, can return to their home countries without facing charges and at low costs.
Through this programme, the Malaysian immigration authorities will issue a Check Out Memo (COM) to undocumented foreigners, serving as a document guaranteeing that they will not face legal proceedings upon returning to their country of origin.
Undocumented foreigners or overstayers can apply for the COM at Malaysian immigration offices in Peninsular Malaysia by presenting a valid passport and showing a return flight ticket for the specified date.
Ambassador Iman stated that while the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 is in effect, the fee for obtaining the COM has been set lower by the Malaysian government at 520 ringgit (approximately Rp2,253,946, with an exchange rate of 1 ringgit = Rp4,334), and for those under 18 years old, it is only 20 ringgit (Rp86,690).
After 30 April 2026, or once the programme ends, the COM issuance fee will revert to the normal rate of 3,100 ringgit (Rp13,436,990).
For Indonesians without a valid passport, they can first obtain a Passport-Like Travel Document (SPLP) from the Indonesian Embassy or other Indonesian representatives.
During the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is also providing facilitations for Indonesians to obtain the SPLP more quickly.
The SPLP can then be used as a substitute for a passport to apply for the COM from Malaysian immigration authorities.
In the podcast session, the Immigration Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Idul Adheman, explained that the requirements for applying for the SPLP include bringing identification such as an ID card, and it is also recommended to bring old passports and previous SPLPs if available, to facilitate the embassy in reviewing the Indonesian citizen’s identity records in the system.
If an Indonesian citizen cannot provide any identity documents at all, they will be directed to the Legal Attaché section to obtain confirmation of the Certificate of Citizenship Status (SKSK).
“So don’t be afraid. For example, if there are no documents, just come to the embassy. The embassy is also your home, we are ready to serve you happily and assist you all regarding document issuance and services,” said Idul.
He explained that the fee for issuing the SPLP is 30 ringgit (Rp130,098) and it can be issued within two working days after payment, or faster than the normal one day, while the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 is ongoing.
“By the Ambassador’s policy, we have shortened it to two days to catch up with the time (before the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 ends on 30 April),” he said.
Idul urged that all document processing at the Indonesian Embassy and Indonesian Consulates General should be done personally by Indonesians without involving third parties. He said that staff at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulates General are ready to assist in answering any questions from Indonesians regarding document requirements.
Undocumented children
The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur stated that Indonesian children in Malaysia who lack residence documents due to certain factors can also apply for the SPLP as a document to return safely to their home country.
Coordinator of Protocol and Consular Functions at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Octavin Dewi Zulaicha (Vivin), explained that the requirements for applying for the SPLP for undocumented Indonesian children or those born in Malaysia involve applying for the issuance of a Birth Registration Certificate (SBPK) at the embassy.
To obtain the SBPK, the biological mother of the child must have a passport or SPLP and submit a valid sworn affidavit to the embassy to prove that the child is indeed her biological child who is an Indonesian citizen.
Vivin also urged undocumented Indonesians with children in Malaysia to immediately obtain the SBPK and SPLP for their children before the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 ends.
This is because after the programme ends, all document processing will become more complicated and require much higher costs.
The Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 applies only to foreigners in Peninsular Malaysia. Meanwhile, Sabah and Sarawak have their own immigration policies.
The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur invites undocumented Indonesians to visit the embassy or other Indonesian representatives in Malaysia if they have any questions to ask before the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 ends.