West Papua Immigration Expands Educational Programme to Prevent Transnational Crime

The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration in West Papua is expanding its public education programme through the ‘Imigrasi Menyapa Pelajar dan Mahasiswa’ (Impresi) strategy to prevent transnational crime. Head of the West Papua Immigration Office, Asrul, stated in Manokwari on Monday that optimising the implementation of the Impresi strategy involves collaboration with the Institute of Law and Development Technology (IHTP) Papua and the Manokwari Education Office. He explained that the signing of the cooperation agreement with IHTP Papua and the Manokwari Education Office is part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of Impresi. The strategy, which involves local government and higher education institutions, is considered more effective in improving the quality of public services in the legal sector, as Immigration’s role is not solely oriented towards law enforcement. Asrul highlighted that transnational crimes include the criminal act of human trafficking in various forms of exploitation and methods. The partnership not only strengthens the existence of higher education institutions but also enriches the insights of law students in advocating for various issues, particularly those related to immigration violations. Filep, a representative from IHTP, added that the collaboration goes beyond addressing transnational crimes, which are relatively rare in West Papua, to involve universities in monitoring the movement of foreign nationals. He noted that IHTP’s learning concept focuses not only on academic theory but also on building networks by expanding cross-stakeholder collaboration with ministries and institutions in the region. The West Papua Immigration Office is the first ministry or agency in the region to sign an educational strengthening agreement with IHTP following its official change of status from the Manokwari College of Law. Filep, who also serves as Chairman of Committee III of the Regional Representative Council, emphasised that the vast territory of Papua necessitates optimal joint supervision to prevent cross-border crime.