Indonesia Pursues Diplomatic Channels Over Tourist Suspected of Fleeing in South Korea

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts with South Korea to curb a growing trend of Indonesian citizens overstaying their visas, particularly those who enter under group tour visa-free facilities.

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We respect the process being carried out by the local authorities and will provide consular support if needed in accordance with applicable local laws.

The ministry's statement comes after a case involving an Indonesian national from Madiun, identified as Femas Yani Arianto, who allegedly disappeared from a tour group in South Korea. The tour operator reported the incident, noting that the participant had asked to buy shoes and never returned to the group meeting point.

Authorities initially deemed the disappearance an administrative immigration violation rather than a criminal case, leading to a refusal to file a police report. However, the individual's whereabouts were later identified at a mosque and subsequently in a small rental accommodation, suggesting an attempt to evade authorities.

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In anticipating the increasing trend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with the South Korean Government through diplomatic channels.

"We respect the process being carried out by the local authorities and will provide consular support if needed in accordance with applicable local laws," stated Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry, through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, is coordinating with the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the South Korean Embassy in Jakarta to prevent such immigration violations.

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Because this case started with a participant deliberately running away from the tour group, its status is considered an administrative immigration violation, not a general criminal case.