Indonesian Tourist's Disappearance in South Korea Deemed Immigration Violation

An Indonesian national, identified as Femas Yani Arianto, 22, from Madiun, East Java, is reportedly in South Korea without proper immigration status after allegedly disappearing from his tour group in late June 2026. The tour operator, Berani Backpacker, filed a report with local police, but authorities declined to pursue a criminal case.

According to the tour operator's owner, Fariz Ragil Ramadhani, police deemed the incident an administrative immigration violation rather than a common criminal offense. Arianto was reportedly last seen at a mosque in Ansan, South Korea. However, delays in apprehension allowed him to evade authorities again.

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

Information suggests that immigration officials faced challenges apprehending Arianto within the mosque's premises due to local legal regulations prohibiting law enforcement action inside places of worship. He has since reportedly moved from the mosque area to a small rental accommodation known as a 'goshiwon.' Arianto allegedly attempted to work odd jobs but quit, citing inability to cope, though the exact reasons remain unclear.

All gathered visual, audio, and location data has been submitted to immigration authorities and visa operators. Attempts to reach Indonesian immigration officials for comment were unsuccessful. The case highlights potential complexities in tracking individuals who abscond from tour groups and subsequently violate immigration laws.

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The information is that immigration officers were already in front of the mosque, but did not dare to enter.