Immigration Investigates Alleged Immigration Crimes Against 320 Foreign Nationals Suspected of Being Part of an International Online Gambling Syndicate

Source: imigrasi.go.id

JAKARTA - The Directorate General of Immigration is investigating alleged immigration crimes committed by 320 foreign nationals suspected of being part of an international online gambling syndicate through a joint investigation with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) following the case in the Hayam Wuruk area of ​​West Jakarta. The foreign nationals were transferred on Sunday (May 10, 2026) to the Jakarta Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim) and the Directorate General of Immigration for further investigation into their immigration status and alleged violations.

The 320 individuals comprised 224 men and 96 women. During the investigation, the male foreign nationals were placed at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim), while the female foreign nationals were placed at the Directorate General of Immigration. The investigation revealed that the majority of the foreign nationals were using Visit Stay Permits (ITK), Visas on Arrival (VoA), and Visa-Free Visits (BVK). Furthermore, 15 sponsors were identified as being responsible for the foreign nationals' presence in Indonesia.

In response to the recent surge in criminal cases involving foreign nationals, the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasized that monitoring the whereabouts and activities of foreigners will continue to be strengthened. In recent times, at least five syndicate cases involving foreign nationals have been uncovered in several regions across Indonesia. The majority of the foreign nationals apprehended were from Vietnam and Cambodia, countries that receive visa-free facilities.

Hendarsam also stated that the perception among some parties of lax immigration oversight is inaccurate. Data shows that from January 1 to May 5, 2026, the Directorate General of Immigration carried out 6,779 immigration administrative actions (TAK). Of these, 2,026 were revoked stay permits and deportations, 1,404 detentions, and 1,323 others were added to the deterrent list.

"I need to clarify that Immigration has not been caught out. On the contrary, the successful arrests of foreign nationals in various locations demonstrate the effectiveness of our intelligence function in early detection of violations by foreign nationals. We also maintain good coordination with the National Police, and yesterday, an operation finally arrested 320 foreign nationals in Hayam Wuruk," added Hendarsam.

Hendarsam further explained, "The results of inspections at several locations where foreign nationals suspected of being scammers were arrested indicate that many [suspected perpetrators] had not even had a chance to operate, and some had only recently started operating. This demonstrates that our surveillance system works proactively before crimes become widespread."

In processing suspected crimes, the Directorate General of Immigration not only targets individual foreign nationals but also conducts in-depth investigations of sponsors or guarantors. Immigration also has the right to take legal action if either the foreign national or the sponsor shows indications of involvement in the crime.

"As stipulated in the Immigration Law, our investigators (PPNS) also have the authority to legally process alleged immigration crimes committed by either foreign nationals or their sponsors," explained Hendarsam.

In addition to field supervision, the Directorate General of Immigration ensures that the system's integration is capable of detecting overstays, so that no foreign nationals violating regulations can leave Indonesia without sanctions, ranging from administrative fines, deportation, to being placed on a deterrent list.

To strengthen security, the Directorate General of Immigration continues to build intensive collaboration with the Indonesian National Police (Polri). This synergy is realized through a joint investigation mechanism to thoroughly address transnational crimes.

Hendarsam added that the increasing number of cases involving foreign nationals is also a serious concern in the evaluation of immigration policies, including the Visit Visa Waiver (BVK) facility.

"Cases involving foreign nationals in illegal activities, including those originating from countries receiving the Visit Visa Waiver facility, are subject to our evaluation. We hope that the spirit of 'Immigration for the People' will mitigate the social and economic risks resulting from illegal foreign activities, ensuring that the selective principle remains optimally implemented in maintaining national security," he added.

"From an immigration oversight perspective, we emphasize that only foreigners who provide benefits and do not endanger public security and order may remain in Indonesian territory. Any violations, including involvement in illegal activities such as online gambling, will be strictly prosecuted in accordance with statutory provisions," Hendarsam concluded.