Indonesia probes alleged extortion of foreign tourists at Batam ferry terminal by immigration officers

Indonesian immigration authorities are investigating allegations of illegal levies imposed on foreign tourists at Batam’s main international ferry terminal, following reports of extortion involving officers and intermediaries in mid-March.

The case centres on Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal in the Riau Islands, a key entry point for travellers arriving from Singapore and other neighbouring countries.

Officers and Broker Identified

Authorities have identified two individuals allegedly involved: an immigration officer with the initials JS and a broker identified as AS.

JS has been removed from duty and temporarily suspended on suspicion of receiving funds, while AS has been detained and is undergoing legal proceedings in coordination with the police.

Batam Immigration Chief Hajar Aswad confirmed that the case involves both an internal officer and an external intermediary.

“Two individuals have been identified as involved, one internal officer and one external party (broker),” he said at a press conference on 29 March.

The case is being handled by the Directorate General of Immigration’s Internal Compliance unit, which has deployed a team to Batam to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Reports first surfaced in foreign media

The allegations gained public attention after coverage by Mothership, which documented accounts from travellers who said they were asked to pay money to pass immigration checks.

According to Mothership, two separate groups of travellers reported being taken aside from the immigration queue into a “hidden” room and told they had committed violations such as visa issues or “disrespectful” behaviour.

One Singaporean traveller, identified as AC, described being stopped after entering a shorter queue at the autogate.

“The officers shouted, confiscated my phone, intimidated, and demanded S$100 penalty per person,” AC told Mothership.

He said he and his partner were detained for about two hours before paying the amount in cash.

Another traveller, identified as Nay, a Myanmar national travelling with his parents, reported being asked to pay S$150 per person over alleged visa issues. He said the amount was later negotiated down to S$250 in total.

Nay claimed the intermediary told him that part of the payment would go to immigration officers, while the remainder would be kept by the broker.

Alleged modus operandi

Indonesian authorities said initial findings indicate that the alleged illegal levy scheme often began when travellers were flagged during immigration checks, including for incomplete supporting documents such as return tickets.

During further examination, a third party would allegedly approach travellers and offer to “resolve” the issue through payment, leading to transactions outside official procedures.

Investigators are examining financial flows, passenger movement data from 13 March 2026, and CCTV recordings from the terminal to determine the extent of the scheme and identify other potential actors.

According to officials, the amounts demanded varied. Initial requests were reportedly around S$100 per person, but in some cases increased to as much as S$300 following negotiations.

Sub-Director of Enforcement Washington Napitulu said one reconstruction of events indicated that approximately S$150 from collected funds was passed to the officer, while the remainder was retained by the intermediary.

Victims and evidence

Authorities initially faced difficulties identifying victims, as early reports only included initials. However, through cross-checking travel data and CCTV footage, investigators confirmed at least one victim, identified as NAY, a Myanmar national.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and includes coordination with the police to trace financial transactions and verify testimonies.

Institutional response

Head of the Regional Immigration Office Ujo Sujoto acknowledged indications of misconduct involving both internal personnel and third parties.

“We are not covering this up. This is our responsibility. We are also disappointed and ashamed of this incident,” he said.

Immigration spokesperson Kharisma Rukmana stated that authorities are committed to a zero-tolerance policy on illegal levies and will take action in accordance with prevailing regulations.

Legal implications

The alleged actions may constitute violations of Indonesia’s civil service regulations and could carry criminal consequences.

Under Government Regulation No. 94 of 2021 on Civil Servant Discipline, sanctions may include administrative penalties or dismissal. If elements of coercion or extortion are established, the case could escalate into a corruption offence under Indonesian law.

Authorities said two possible routes are being considered: disciplinary measures through internal proceedings or escalation to criminal prosecution.

Batam is a major entry point for international visitors, particularly short-term tourists arriving by ferry from Singapore. 

Officials said that funds collected from affected travellers would be returned and urged members of the public to report any misconduct through official channels. The investigation remains ongoing.