Soetta Immigration Uncovers Modus of 3 Illegal Migrant Workers Bound for Cambodia
The Class I Special Immigration Office at Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) has uncovered the modus operandi behind the departure of three Indonesian citizens suspected of planning to work non-procedurally as illegal migrant workers in Cambodia. The three were prevented from travelling through Terminal 2 International Departures at Soetta Airport.
Head of the Soetta Immigration Office, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, explained that the discovery began with officers’ suspicions regarding three passengers on an Air Asia flight, number AK354, bound for Malaysia on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
“The passengers claimed they were going on a one-week holiday to Cambodia. However, after an in-depth examination, strong indications were found that they intended to work non-procedurally,” Galih stated in Tangerang on Friday (19/6).
Based on the investigation results, officers discovered that the three Indonesian citizens had previously worked in Cambodia and still had pending employment matters there. Furthermore, during subsequent checks, they were found to possess work permits that were still valid until December 2026.
Despite holding work permits from the destination country, the three were unable to present the official documents required by the Indonesian Government for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). The missing documents included a valid work visa, an employment contract, a copy of the job offer legalised by an Indonesian Representative, and employment social security or insurance in accordance with regulations.
“Because they could not show the required legal documentation according to procedure, we postponed the departure of these three Indonesian citizens as they were suspected of being non-procedural PMI,” Galih emphasised.
This postponement of departure refers to Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, as a preventive measure by the state to protect its citizens from the risk of exploitation.
Galih added that the handling of this case was carried out through close synergy with the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Resort Police (Polresta). This firm action was taken not to hinder public mobility, but as a form of initial protection to prevent Indonesian citizens from becoming victims of illegal job placements or human trafficking practices abroad.
“We want to ensure that every departing Indonesian citizen, especially those indicated to be working, fulfils adequate document procedures. We do not want them to leave without protection and end up as victims of exploitation overseas,” he concluded.
Currently, officers have carried out documentation and compiled an incident report regarding the case for further development into the network of illegal PMI placements to the Cambodia region.