Tangerang Immigration Tightens Foreign National Surveillance, Wins Foreign Embassy Awards Through Humanitarian Approach

Tangerang Immigration Office in Banten has strengthened monitoring of foreign nationals amid rising global mobility and rapid growth of vertical housing in Tangerang City, Tangerang Regency, and South Tangerang. Between 2025 and 2026, Tangerang Immigration has deported 716 foreign nationals and pursued 19 immigration violation cases in court. Nine cases have been finalised, while ten more are expected to reach indictment soon. Today, Tangerang Immigration Chief Hasanin stated that the influx of foreigners in Tangerang is high, while surveillance resources remain limited. To address this, the office has enhanced collaboration with relevant agencies through the Foreigner Surveillance Team (TIMPORA) and community-based information networks. “Foreign nationals are welcome as long as they contribute positively to the community. However, any misuse of tourist visas—for employment, trade, or illegal activities—is unacceptable,” Hasanin emphasised. Several actions have been taken against foreign nationals entering on tourist visas but selling food, fruits, or operating eateries in residential areas. Such activities harm local businesses and violate visa conditions, leading to administrative penalties or deportation. Surveillance also targets apartments frequently used for illegal activities. “All operations are intelligence-driven, involving joint efforts, independent operations under the direction of Inteldakim Head Bong Bong Prakoso, and inter-agency coordination,” Hasanin explained. Beyond legal enforcement, Tangerang Immigration handles cases of foreign nationals with mental health issues, such as two British and Pakistani nationals who went viral on social media. After medical checks and referral to psychiatric hospitals, they were repatriated. This humanitarian approach earned appreciation from the British and Pakistani embassies. “Immigration services are not just about law enforcement but also protecting human rights. This is what foreign diplomatic representatives have praised,” Hasanin said. Early Detection To enhance early detection, Tangerang Immigration optimises independent and joint operations, deploying Immigration Village Officers (PIMPASA) as the eyes and ears of immigration at the community level. Intelligence-sharing systems are strengthened to prevent vertical housing from being used for online scams, illegal gambling, and other digital crimes. Tangerang Immigration reaffirms its commitment to balancing the economic benefits of foreign nationals with regional security stability. For these efforts, Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin presented an award to the immigration office during the city’s 33rd anniversary celebration. “We are firm in law enforcement but remain humanitarian. Our goal is clear: to prevent immigration violations, ensuring Tangerang remains safe, orderly, and conducive to economic growth,” Hasanin concluded. In related news, Minister of Immigration Agus Andrianto praised and awarded Tangerang Immigration for its quality services. (H-2)