Indonesia halts 8,287 departures over human trafficking risks

Indonesian immigration authorities have blocked over 8,000 citizens from leaving the country in the first seven months of 2026, citing risks of human trafficking. The Directorate General of Immigration reported on Tuesday that 8,287 departures were halted due to suspected involvement in human trafficking (TPPO).

This number shows a decrease of 12.36% compared to the same period in 2025, when 9,456 individuals were prevented from departing. Additionally, immigration officers rejected 9,394 passport applications suspected of being misused. At the Batam Immigration Office, a key transit point in the Malacca Strait, 17 passport applications were denied in the first half of 2026.

These figures were released in conjunction with the July 30th International Day Against Human Trafficking. "This serves as a reminder that protecting citizens is a shared responsibility," stated Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko. He emphasized the commitment to "strengthening prevention from the upstream through risk-based oversight, public education, and cross-sector synergy" to prevent Indonesians from becoming victims of trafficking.

“

This serves as a reminder that protecting citizens is a shared responsibility. Immigration is committed to strengthening prevention from the upstream through risk-based oversight, public education, and cross-sector synergy, so that no more Indonesian citizens become victims of human trafficking.

Hendarsam noted a significant drop in non-procedural Indonesian migrant worker departures in 2025, with passport rejections down 63.97% and departure delays reduced by 67.85%. He attributed this decline to past efforts, improved early detection systems, and better collaboration. "Immigration conducts layered prevention, from passport issuance to departure checks at immigration checkpoints, in accordance with immigration laws," he added.

The process includes document verification, interviews, and profiling to ensure travel purposes align with supporting documents. If non-procedural work or human trafficking risks are detected, applications can be delayed or denied for further investigation. Hendarsam stressed these measures are protective, not obstructive, ensuring travel documents are not exploited by trafficking syndicates.

“

The goal is not to make it difficult for passport applicants, but to ensure that travel documents are not exploited by human trafficking syndicates and to protect citizens.