The Directorate General of Immigration (Ditjen Imigrasi) is set to deport hundreds of foreign nationals found to have misused their residence permits, particularly in the tourism and mining sectors.
The inspections took place in Bali and North Maluku in two phases: from 14 January to 17 January 2025 and from 17 February to 21 February 2025.
During inspections in Bali in January, authorities reviewed 267 foreign investment companies (PMA) whose Business Identification Numbers (NIB) had been revoked.
Officials found that 74 of these companies were still sponsoring 126 foreign nationals. As a result, 15 were deported, while 111 others are set to face the same action.
In the second phase of inspections, authorities identified 186 foreign nationals sponsored by 86 problematic PMAs. These individuals remain under further examination.
Additionally, Ditjen Imigrasi found 208 foreign nationals linked to 43 allegedly fictitious companies. Of these, 48 have already been deported.
Majority of Foreign Nationals from China
Acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam stated that administrative immigration measures, including deportation, had been taken against those found in violation.
“Immigration is committed to ensuring that every foreign national entering Indonesia contributes positively. We will not hesitate to take firm action against those who violate regulations and threaten order,” Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto said in an official statement received by Kompas.com on 22 February.
Most of the foreign nationals involved are from China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Australia, working in trade and consultancy sectors.
Godam explained that the 267 PMAs lost their business permits due to failing to meet investment commitments of Rp 10 billion or more, resulting in discrepancies between reported and actual capital inflows into Indonesia.
Focus on the Mining Sector
Authorities are now shifting their focus to the mining sector in North Maluku, where foreign nationals are employed.
A total of 4.656 Chinese nationals across 74 companies have been reviewed. Initial findings indicate that 41 individuals from five companies are suspected of immigration violations.
The ongoing inspections are part of Operasi Wira Waspada, an initiative by Ditjen Imigrasi to monitor compliance through direct field supervision, involving local immigration offices and related stakeholders.
“To ensure all foreign nationals comply with immigration regulations, Operasi Wira Waspada will continue nationwide, particularly in regions with high foreign activity,” Godam said.
