Indonesia detains 55 Chinese nationals over suspected immigration violations in BSD

Indonesian immigration officials detained 55 Chinese nationals at the construction site of a data center and Smartfren gallery in BSD, South Tangerang, amid allegations that they misused residence permits to work.

The operation took place on September 3. Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said officials began investigating after suspecting violations at the project. “There was a suspected misuse of residence permits at the project. That is why we carried out an investigation, identified several names, and then our team moved to conduct a monitoring operation,” he said.

Officials identified several people holding visit permits sponsored by PT BOS, as well as one person with a multiple-entry visit visa sponsored by PT WD. They also found people holding visit visas without sponsors. Immigration said the 55 Chinese nationals were suspected of working at the SM+ Data Center and Smartfren headquarters gallery construction site.

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There was a suspected misuse of residence permits at the project. That is why we carried out an investigation, identified several names, and then our team moved to conduct a monitoring operation.

Of the group, 17 Chinese nationals holding visit permits based on visa on arrival were detained and placed at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Center for further processing. Seven others, also suspected of working at the site, were not detained but had their passports held. They were ordered to appear before immigration officials on September 9 to provide information.

Hendarsam said immigration conducts monitoring operations regularly to maintain order, deter violations and preserve public trust. SM+ Data Centers rejected any direct employment link with those detained. “SM+ has no direct employment relationship with the individuals concerned; immigration and employment document administration for personnel employed by contractors and subcontractors is the responsibility of each contractor,” the company said.

SM+ added that the construction site was managed by the project contractor and remained separate from its operating data center facilities. It said normal data center services continued without disruption and that the company upheld corporate governance, compliance and responsible business practices.

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SM+ has no direct employment relationship with the individuals concerned; immigration and employment document administration for personnel employed by contractors and subcontractors is the responsibility of each contractor.