Jakarta (ANTARA) – A total of 31 foreign nationals from Malaysia and Taiwan have been detained by officers from the Pontianak Immigration Office and Pontianak City Police on suspicion of involvement in online fraud.
The head of the Pontianak Immigration Office, Sam Fernando, said on Friday that the detention followed information from the Pontianak City Police Intelligence Unit about several foreign nationals staying and carrying out activities at a hotel in Pontianak on Tuesday (September 8).
“Officers conducted immigration checks regarding identities and citizenship, travel documents, the type and validity of residence permits, and whether the activities were consistent with the purpose of their residence permits,” Fernando remarked.
Immigration officers found three Malaysian nationals to have overstayed their permitted stay in Indonesia, along with suspected violations involving residence permits, including activities that were inconsistent with the purposes of the permits.
The Pontianak Immigration Office is handling the case and taking follow-up measures in accordance with applicable regulations.
Fernando said the checks also aimed to help maintain security and public order in Pontianak.
“Foreign nationals who meet the requirements and provide benefits to Indonesia are granted facilities suited to their needs. Meanwhile, we will take action against those who violate immigration regulations,” he emphasized.
He added that the Immigration Office continues to strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions in monitoring foreign nationals.
He addressed that such collaboration is essential because oversight of foreign nationals cannot be carried out by a single agency. It requires information sharing and follow-up measures in accordance with each agency’s respective authority.
Fernando then urged Pontianak residents to immediately contact the Pontianak Immigration Office if they encounter activities by foreign nationals that appear to violate immigration regulations or disturb public order.
The “Immigration for the People” ethos championed by Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko extends beyond public service and also guides immigration law enforcement.
“We are making every effort to ensure that the presence of foreign nationals within our jurisdiction contributes positively to the state and the community,” Fernando remarked.
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Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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