Investigating Reports of Foreign Nationals Being Extorted, Batam Immigration Ensures Strict Action Against Rogue Officials

The Directorate of Internal Compliance at the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) is investigating a report from the media outlet Mothership.sg regarding alleged extortion (pungli) against Singaporean citizens by rogue immigration officers at the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal in Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri). Batam Immigration has affirmed that strict sanctions await any implicated employees.

“If violations by immigration officers are found during the process, the involved rogue personnel will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” stated the Head of Batam Immigration Office, Hajar Aswad, quoted from detikSumut on Friday (27/3/2026).

He emphasised the Indonesian Immigration’s duty to provide good and accountable services to foreign travellers. Hajar assured that his office is open to all complaints, reports, suggestions, and criticisms from service users.

“Every foreign tourist entering Indonesian territory is entitled to good, accountable immigration services in accordance with the provisions,” said Hajar.

“Reports can be submitted through email, WhatsApp, or direct messages via the Batam Immigration Instagram account,” he added.

Quoting Mothership.sg, one Singaporean citizen with initials AC claimed to have been detained for about two hours upon arriving in Batam with his partner on 13 March 2026. Their passports were temporarily held, and he alleged being asked for 100 Singapore dollars per person on grounds of a violation, after which AC and his partner chose to pay to continue their journey.

A similar account was given by another tourist named Nay, who claimed to have been asked for up to 150 Singapore dollars per person while travelling with his parents on 14 March 2026. After negotiation, he said they paid a total of 250 Singapore dollars.