Indonesian govt warns of brokered marriages involving foreigners

indonesianupdates.com_admin

2 hours ago

Bandarlampung, Lampung (ANTARA) – The Bandar Lampung Immigration Office has urged the public to watch for schemes in which brokers arrange marriages between Indonesian women and foreign nationals in exchange for unusually large payments.

“We urge the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals and remain alert to marriage schemes involving foreigners,” Taufiq Hidayat, the office’s chief, said in Bandar Lampung on Monday.

He said brokers arranged deals for prospective Indonesian brides, offering payments ranging from 60 million rupiah to 100 million rupiah (about US$3,300 to US$5,500).

“These arranged marriages, which involve commercial transactions, could lead to the exploitation of women, a serious issue requiring a coordinated response,” he said.

Marriages between foreign nationals and Indonesians are legal, provided the couples have official documentation and valid residence permits, he said.

“Our records show about 102 foreign nationals hold permanent stay permits (KITAP) or limited-stay permits (KITAS) linked to mixed marriages. These are legitimate marriages, not brokered arrangements or unregistered religious unions,” he said.

“This marriage-brokerage scheme involving Chinese nationals and Indonesians is a new modus operandi we have encountered in Lampung,” he said.

The office was continuing to investigate the case to uncover the full network behind the alleged marriage-brokerage syndicate, he added.