Viral Case of Foreign National Extorted for Rp3.2 Million at Batam Immigration Office

Allegations of illegal levies (pungli) against foreign nationals (WNA) at the Batam Center Immigration Checkpoint are currently under public scrutiny. The case emerged following a post by the Instagram account @mothershipsg on 25 March 2026, featuring a foreign national’s account of suspected extortion during immigration checks in Batam. In response to the report, the Head of the Riau Islands Immigration Directorate General Regional Office, Ujo Sujoto, led a clarification process alongside the Head of the Batam Immigration Office, Hajar Aswad, and a team from the Internal Compliance Directorate. During a press conference at the Batu Ampar Immigration Checkpoint Office on Sunday (29/3), Ujo explained that they had traced the report using crossing data and CCTV footage. “Initial tracing results indicate one mismatched identity, while the other points to a Myanmar national with initials NAY who entered via Batam Center Port on 14 March 2026,” he told reporters. Examination revealed that NAY lacked a return ticket, a requirement for entry into Indonesian territory. Officers then directed the individual to an extended examination room for further scrutiny. However, during this process, suspicions arose of external involvement. A travel agent with initials AS is alleged to have entered the examination area and demanded SGD250 (Rp3.2 million) from NAY. Of this amount, approximately SGD150 is suspected to have been handed to one rogue officer in the examination room without the knowledge of direct superiors. “These findings are still under investigation. We will not tolerate practices outside regulations,” Ujo emphasised. The Internal Compliance Directorate has now taken over the examination process. The investigation focuses on scrutinising the rogue officer, tracing the flow of funds, and exploring possible external involvement. Immigration authorities affirm that if violations are proven, firm sanctions will be imposed in accordance with Government Regulation Number 94 of 2021 on Civil Servant Discipline. Immigration also acknowledges challenges in the investigation, particularly due to limited victim identity details in the initial post and the absence of direct clarification from the reporter. Nevertheless, cross-border coordination has been conducted through the Immigration Attaché in Singapore to strengthen data and track the foreign national’s identity. As a preventive measure, Batam Immigration is tightening field surveillance. Access to sterile areas has been clarified. Batam Immigration also extended apologies to the public for the commotion. “We ensure no gaps. Internal and external oversight is strengthened to prevent similar incidents,” stated Hajar Aswad.