Reasons Behind Chinese Nationals Dominating Immigration Violations in Indonesia

The Directorate General (Dirjen) of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Imipas) has launched Operation Wirawaspada. During the operation, 346 foreign nationals (WNA) were found to have violated immigration regulations.

Immigration authorities state that the largest number of immigration violators among foreign nationals come from China. What are the reasons?

Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Caught in Operation Wirawaspada

Operation Wirawaspada was conducted from 7-11 April 2026. The 346 foreign nationals violating immigration rules were secured by immigration officials.

“During Operation Wirawaspada 2026, all units of the Directorate General of Immigration successfully apprehended 346 foreign nationals suspected of committing immigration violations,” said Dirjen Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko during a press conference at the Dirjen Immigration office in South Jakarta on Monday (13/4/2026).

Hendarsam revealed that the 346 foreign nationals hailed from 36 countries. He noted that Chinese nationals formed the largest group caught in this operation.

“In terms of nationality, citizens of the People’s Republic of China were the largest group apprehended in this operation, numbering 183 individuals, followed by Pakistanis at 21, and Nigerians at 20. Overall, the operation examined foreigners from 36 countries,” he said.

Types of Violations

The foreign nationals who were acted upon were suspected of violations including the misuse of residence permits, providing inaccurate information, and various legal breaches deemed to disrupt security and order in Indonesian territory.

Hendarsam stated that the most common immigration violation was the misuse of residence permits. Additionally, other cases such as overstays and fictitious investments were uncovered.

“The most frequently found type of violation was the misuse of residence permits, with 214 cases or about 61% of the total violations. Furthermore, 24 cases of overstays, 17 fictitious investors, and various other administrative violations such as failure to show travel documents or addresses not matching residence permits were discovered,” he said.

Hendarsam emphasised that the Dirjen Immigration will strengthen monitoring and enforcement against foreign workers with improper permits. This, he said, aligns with the government’s efforts to enforce the law in Indonesia.

“Next, we will strengthen monitoring and enforcement against industrial and mining companies that employ foreign workers with mismatched classifications and permits. This is the government’s effort to create order, enforce the law, and protect all Indonesian citizens,” he said.

Reasons Why Chinese Nationals Are the Most Numerous Violators

Hendarsam explained the reasons why Chinese nationals were the most numerous to be apprehended in this operation. He noted that China indeed has a large number of foreign workers (TKA) in Indonesia.

“So, if we look at why there are so many Chinese nationals, it’s because there are indeed more foreign workers from them,” he said.

He stated that this number makes Chinese nationals more likely to violate immigration rules. This aligns with the violations found by immigration authorities in the field.

“So, the potential to commit violations is naturally greater compared to nationals from other countries. So, statistically, it will certainly align accordingly. The more foreign workers from a country enter, the greater the qualitative potential in terms of numbers compared to others,” he said.