Foreigners Breaking the Law Can Be Prosecuted in Indonesia, Says Immigration Director General

Foreign nationals who commit crimes in Indonesia face potential prosecution and imprisonment, not just administrative sanctions like deportation. Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko clarified this policy, addressing public questions about why foreigners breaking the law are sometimes only sent back to their home countries.

Marantoko explained that immigration cases fall into two categories: administrative and criminal. While administrative violations result in actions like deportation, criminal offenses will be met with legal proceedings to ensure a deterrent effect. "Don't imagine that you will only be deported," he warned. "We will impose criminal charges, jail time, and imprisonment."

This warning comes after ten foreigners – eight from Pakistan and two from Iraq – were arrested for allegedly using fictitious documents to obtain Investor Stay Permit Cards (KITAS). These individuals will first undergo the legal process and serve their sentences before being deported. The Directorate General of Immigration will determine the duration of their deportation.

The suspects, identified by initials including ZU, J, L, AS, QU, FUR, HU, and JK from Pakistan, and RMA and PAH from Iraq, were apprehended during an immigration operation in Tangerang, Banten. Officials became suspicious when the foreigners could not adequately explain their guarantor's profile or the investment activities claimed in their names, suggesting they lacked real business activities and had falsified data to obtain their permits.

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Don't imagine that you will only be deported. We will impose criminal charges, jail time, and imprisonment.