US Fugitive Uncovered Hiding in Depok Bunker
An American citizen, identified by the initials AW, has been deported from Indonesia to face legal proceedings in his home country. The individual, a sexual abuse fugitive wanted by US authorities, was apprehended by the Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs.
AW utilised numerous aliases and false identities to disguise himself during his period of flight, including BW, AYW, and JW. The US fugitive was located by Indonesian Immigration while hiding in a bunker within his residence in the Sawangan area, Depok, West Java.
The case came to light following a report made to the Directorate General of Immigration on 5 December 2024, by a woman identified as NM, who arrived with her two children. NM reported that her movements were restricted by AW, resulting in her residence permit having expired for approximately five years. She also alleged that she had been a victim of sexual abuse by her husband in the United States. Two days later, Immigration facilitated the return of NM and her children to the US.
The Directorate General of Immigration subsequently engaged in intensive coordination with the US Embassy to trace AW’s history. Investigations revealed that AW had changed his identity multiple times over a 15-year period since entering Indonesia. Records show AW entered Indonesia on 7 November 2011 to evade legal proceedings regarding sexual abuse offences in the US. AW had obtained US citizenship through a naturalisation scheme on 4 May 2000, though his US passport had expired in 2010.
The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, stated that his office received a request for assistance in the arrest from the US Embassy on 5 March 2026. Based on investigations and community intelligence, Immigration located AW in Sawangan, Depok. Despite attempts by family members to obstruct the operation, AW was apprehended while hiding in a bunker at his home.
“In response to the request, we immediately conducted preliminary investigations and a series of intelligence operations, eventually securing the individual on 23 April 2026 in the Sawangan, Depok area,” Hendarsam stated on Monday (8/6/2026).
AW committed serious immigration violations, including the use of false identities and the misuse of travel documents, as regulated under Law Number 6 of 2011. Following his arrest in Depok, AW underwent administrative immigration procedures, including detention and deportation on 4 June 2026, under the escort of US Marshals. Immigration has also imposed a lifetime ban on his re-entry into Indonesia.
“This success serves as evidence that immigration supervision and law enforcement functions are operating effectively through synergy and excellent cooperation with law enforcement agencies and friendly nations,” said Hendarsim. The lifetime ban was implemented in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Number 13 of 2025. Furthermore, Immigration is coordinating with US authorities for further legal processes in his country of origin.
“Every foreign national in Indonesia is not only required to meet administrative requirements but must also not endanger public security and order. We will act firmly against any violations to maintain national sovereignty, because immigration is for the people,” he emphasised.