West Papua Immigration Expands Educational Programme to Prevent Transnational Crime
The Regional Office (Kanwil) of the Directorate General of Immigration for West Papua is expanding its public education programme through the implementation of the ‘Imigrasi Menyapa Pelajar dan Mahasiswa’ (Impresi) strategy to prevent transnational criminal practices.
Speaking in Manokwari on Monday, the Head of the West Papua Immigration Regional Office, Asrul, said the optimisation of the Impresi transformation strategy involves the Institute of Law and Development Technology (IHTP) Papua and the Manokwari Education Office.
“The signing of this cooperation with IHTP Papua and the Manokwari Education Office is part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of Impresi,” he said.
The implementation of the Impresi strategy, involving the role of local government and higher education institutions, is considered more effective in improving the quality of public services in the legal field, as Immigration is not solely oriented towards law enforcement.
“Transnational crime includes offences such as people trafficking (TPPO), with its various forms of exploitation and methods,” Asrul said.
The cooperation will not only strengthen the standing of higher education institutions but will also enrich the legal knowledge of students in advocating on various issues, particularly those related to immigration violations.
“It is not only about transnational crime, which may be rare in West Papua, but also about how universities take part in monitoring the movement of foreigners,” said Filep.
According to Filep, the learning approach adopted by IHTP Papua focuses not only on academic theory but also on building networks by expanding collaboration across stakeholders and ministries and agencies in the region.
The Immigration Regional Office became the first ministry or agency in West Papua to sign an educational cooperation agreement with IHTP Papua after it officially changed status from the Manokwari College of Law (STIH).
“The land of Papua is very vast, making it prone to cross-border crime. Therefore, optimal joint oversight is necessary,” said Filep, who also serves as Chair of Committee III of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI).