Indonesia Presents Three Pillars for Border Strengthening at ASEAN DGICM Forum 2026

Indonesia has outlined a three-pillar strategy to bolster its immigration system during the 29th ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The core tenets of this strategy are reinforcing border inspections, enhancing the oversight of foreign nationals, and integrating digital services.

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Strengthening border checks, monitoring foreign nationals, and integrating digital services are the three pillars that support Indonesia's immigration system. Supported by cross-agency collaboration, we have been able to detect immigration violations and transnational crimes early, both before, during, and after inspections.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko emphasized that these pillars are fundamental to strengthening immigration control and preventing transnational crimes. He stated that through cross-agency collaboration, Indonesia has improved its ability to detect immigration violations and transnational offenses early. The system utilizes risk-based analysis, including the Passengers Analysis Unit (PAU) at immigration checkpoints and the central Immigration Traffic Monitoring Center (ITMC).

For monitoring foreign nationals, Indonesia employs the Foreigner Reporting Application (APOA), which is integrated with the National Police. This system has been instrumental in uncovering cases of visa misuse and cross-border crimes, such as a recent online investment scam involving 210 foreign nationals in Batam. In a bilateral meeting with Australia's Department of Home Affairs, Indonesia proposed implementing a ballot system for Working Holiday Visas to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in managing the high number of Indonesian applicants.

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I had the opportunity today to dialogue with DHA Australia. The timing was opportune, and we proposed that the Working Holiday Visa issuance procedure for Indonesian citizens be proportionally managed by the Australian government. Our proposal is for a Ballot System that is more appropriate to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in managing the high number of applicants from Indonesia.

Regionally, Indonesia has been appointed as the Voluntary Lead Shepherd for human trafficking issues within the ASEAN DGICM Plan of Action. Hendarsam stressed the necessity of closer international cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and technology utilization, to effectively combat transnational crime.

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The challenge of transnational crime requires closer cooperation between countries, especially in the exchange of intelligence information and the utilization of technology.