In preventing the 137 illegal migrant workers, authorities found that they intended to travel to Asian destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Hong Kong, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which are known as destinations with risks of illegal migrant worker placement.
“They all claimed to be tourists who wanted to go on holiday,” Head of the Immigration Office at Soekarno-Hatta Galih Kartika Perdhana remarked here on Tuesday.
He stated that based on more in-depth examinations by immigration officers, strong indications showed that they were non-procedural migrant workers.
“They were unable to clearly explain their travel purposes, such as how long they would stay and where they would be staying,” he said.
According to him, from January to December 29, 2025, Soekarno-Hatta Immigration prevented the departure of 2,917 passengers, of whom 1,905 were indicated as non-procedural migrant workers and potential victims of human trafficking and people smuggling.
Meanwhile, Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Checkpoint Division Jerry Prima said detection has become more complex as prospective workers understand inspection patterns.
Nevertheless, officers apply a two-layer screening system through physical observation, brief interviews, and the Subject of Interest systems. Initial indications include suspicious behavior, inconsistent answers, and inability to explain travel plans.
During 2025, the office also rejected 197 passport applications linked to trafficking and smuggling.
"Soekarno-Hatta Immigration reaffirms its commitment to continuously tightening supervision and increasing vigilance to protect Indonesian citizens from the risks of exploitation and human trafficking practices, especially during long holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year," Prima said.
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Translator: Azmi. Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
